January 3rd, 2026 | by Mark Koenigsberg
To start off the new year, we asked our dear friend Mark Koenigsberg to share some words on Optimism. Something he practices often and teaches to others looking to improve this skill in their own lives. Mark has been a huge help to Bivo over the years. We're always happy to hear from him and to learn a thing or two :)
To start off the new year, we asked our dear friend Mark Koenigsberg to share some words on Optimism. Something he practices often and teaches to others looking to improve this skill in their own lives. Mark has been a huge help to Bivo over the years. We're always happy to hear from him and to learn a thing or two :)
For the second year running Carina has asked me to contribute something for the Quench’d Series, the requested topic is that of optimism.
Let me start by saying that it takes work to be an optimist in today’s world. If you’re reading this blog you’re likely some sort of athlete, a cyclist, an avid walker or hiker, a runner, a lover of the outdoors in general. You may be an environmentalist, perhaps a gardener, someone who finds solace, comfort, and renewal in the natural world. And this blue green marble, our world, is under assault.
For the second year running Carina has asked me to contribute something for the Quench’d Series, the requested topic is that of optimism.
Let me start by saying that it takes work to be an optimist in today’s world. If you’re reading this blog you’re likely some sort of athlete, a cyclist, an avid walker or hiker, a runner, a lover of the outdoors in general. You may be an environmentalist, perhaps a gardener, someone who finds solace, comfort, and renewal in the natural world. And this blue green marble, our world, is under assault.
Optimists don’t turn away from hard stuff, we’re realists, we understand life’s challenges. So, what do we do? We get ourselves outside, we find energy to recreate, to be out of doors, by ourselves or with like minded souls be they friends and family. The green world nourishes us.
Optimism is a stance, it’s a way of being, it may be inherited, or learned from parents, teachers, other adults, but with time and practice it becomes intentional. We understand that much is beyond our control and we are aware of the trap of negative thinking. We optimists - yes I am one - focus instead on what we do well, on where we can affect change and have influence, on where we can make a difference for others. We know that we only really have the present, the “now”, and that our work is to create good moments, as many as we can, for ourselves and for those we care about. If optimism is a stance it’s also a verb, for an optimistic life is one of action, one of doing.
Optimists don’t turn away from hard stuff, we’re realists, we understand life’s challenges. So, what do we do? We get ourselves outside, we find energy to recreate, to be out of doors, by ourselves or with like minded souls be they friends and family. The green world nourishes us.
Optimism is a stance, it’s a way of being, it may be inherited, or learned from parents, teachers, other adults, but with time and practice it becomes intentional. We understand that much is beyond our control and we are aware of the trap of negative thinking. We optimists - yes I am one - focus instead on what we do well, on where we can affect change and have influence, on where we can make a difference for others. We know that we only really have the present, the “now”, and that our work is to create good moments, as many as we can, for ourselves and for those we care about. If optimism is a stance it’s also a verb, for an optimistic life is one of action, one of doing.
Optimists understand that we’re occasionally going to screw things up, we’re going to get things wrong. We know that’s normal, and that focusing on what went wrong, on where we erred, or that indulging in self blame is useless, and serves no one well. We make mistakes, we learn from them, we get up, dust ourselves off and move on.
Today’s world is full of uncertainty. Economic, political, environmental systems are in disarray. We’re likely to experience more disruption before something new emerges. It’s not easy to arise each morning and walk confidently into so many unknowns.
Optimists understand that we’re occasionally going to screw things up, we’re going to get things wrong. We know that’s normal, and that focusing on what went wrong, on where we erred, or that indulging in self blame is useless, and serves no one well. We make mistakes, we learn from them, we get up, dust ourselves off and move on.
Today’s world is full of uncertainty. Economic, political, environmental systems are in disarray. We’re likely to experience more disruption before something new emerges. It’s not easy to arise each morning and walk confidently into so many unknowns.
In closing, what’s in the “optimist tool kit?’ For starters, self-belief, a certain stubbornness, perhaps a touch of arrogance, balanced by humility and by not taking ourselves too seriously, a good sense of humor for sure. Optimists accept that life is random and our secret sauce is that of improvisation. Lifelong optimists are good improvisers, having the capacity to make “something out of nothing”, dealing well with what’s in front of us, with the “hand we’re dealt.” We know that we won’t always get it right, but we’re going to try. Optimists are “creators” and our biggest creation is the life we want.
In closing, what’s in the “optimist tool kit?’ For starters, self-belief, a certain stubbornness, perhaps a touch of arrogance, balanced by humility and by not taking ourselves too seriously, a good sense of humor for sure. Optimists accept that life is random and our secret sauce is that of improvisation. Lifelong optimists are good improvisers, having the capacity to make “something out of nothing”, dealing well with what’s in front of us, with the “hand we’re dealt.” We know that we won’t always get it right, but we’re going to try. Optimists are “creators” and our biggest creation is the life we want.
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