To be an optimist or a pessimist?

When Henry Ford wanted to use unbreakable glass for his cars, he didn’t like the responses of the experts because they thought it couldn’t be done. He preferred the thoughts of an eager young employee who wouldn’t conceive of the notion that unbreakable glass was impossible. He got unbreakable glass. Optimist or pessimist?

Think about Walt Disney, who was rejected by at least 10 people who didn’t believe that Mickey Mouse had a life. Today, long after his creation, Mickey is alive and well and a character we all remember from our childhood. Optimist or pessimist?

Winston Churchill personified the attitude of optimism over pessimism. He suffered numerous political defeats and yet became Great Britain’s prime minister and was recognized as a world leader during World War II. When asked to address a graduating class at Oxford University, said, “Never,

never, never give up.”

How about Richard Hooker, who spent 7 hears writing M.A.S.H.? 21 publishers rejected it before Morrow took a look and published it. I don’t have to mention its overwhelming success. Optimist or pessimist?

You have heard about the record of Abraham Lincoln. Throughout his lifetime, he suffered defeats in business, Congress, a run for vice president, only to be elected president of the United States. There is no question; he had to be an optimist.

Considering the roller coaster economy, a highly competitive global marketplace and the pressures of dealing with professional and personal challenges, optimism and collaboration must prevail. We have some events planned that will encourage you to take the optimistic route.

Driving Innovation — Nov. 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Chamber on Kennedy Drive featuring Michael Bagley, author and international expert in stimulating creativity in the corporate environment. You will learn methods and tools for solving problems faster, inventing, innovating and discovering new ways to meet and overcome obstacles. Registration is limited to 24.

Economic Summit — Nov. 19, 7:30 a.m. at Torrington Country Club. Don KleperSmith and Peter Gioia will provide you with an informative and entertaining review of the current status of the economy. Registration is required.

Join us and add to our optimism!