The demise of the cynic

“A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks

around for a coffin.” ~H.L. Mencken
Photo:humblepiety.blogspot.com

Which is easier – to point out issues that will result in problems or to come up with solutions to the problems that result from issues?  Which choice results in people feeling deflated, discouraged, frustrated, and depressed, and which choice results in people feeling inspired, encouraged, hopefull, and optimistic?

When you view the world through the eyes of a cynic, the world is full of problems that just make life more uncomfortable and inconvenient.  That is completely a victim mentality.  When you view the world as a cynic, you point out the problems and expect someone else to come up with a solution that suits you.

My question is – why not end the cynicism and victim mentality and move into an empowerment mode, where you come up with solutions that work well for you?  What's holding you back?  When you look at problems from the perspective of trying to solve them, you gain tremendous self-esteem and confidence from the accountability you provide yourself with.

The late James Lehman stated something along the lines of “You can’t feel your way to better behavior; you can behave your way to better feelings.”  I agree with him one hundred percent.  Start seeking solutions to problems, and you will feel more empowered and confident.  As a result, you will feel better about yourself and life in general.  Your behavior will determine how you feel.

The next time you feel cynicism overtaking a conversation, remember that cynicism is completely ineffective and unproductive victim behavior.  It leads to nothing but negative feelings, and leads to absolutely no solutions.  Instead of pointing out things as they are, point out how things can be if a solution is identified.

“Cynic, n: a blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.” ~Ambrose Bierce

I ask you to join me in embracing a “victor” mentality this week, where you free yourself of the chains of victim thinking.  Let’s be champions.  Let’s look at possibilities and solutions.  It’s a simple choice, and the results...are simply powerful!

-Victor