What Is Optimism? Learning to Balance Hope and Reality

There was a time when I believed optimism could fix everything. I was that kid who prayed hard, trusted in miracles, and thought that as long as I believed, life would magically sort itself out.

Then I got older.

I started working in digital marketing where things change overnight and instincts alone don’t cut it. I kept trusting my gut, ignoring the data, and pushing forward because I believed it would all just work out. I told myself I was being optimistic. But deep down, I was avoiding change. I wasn’t adapting.

That’s when I asked myself, what is optimism, really?

When Optimism Isn’t Enough

One moment made this question hit harder than ever.

My sister had to be rushed to the hospital for an emergency surgery. I insisted we take her to the nearest public hospital, thinking it would be quick. I hoped she’d be treated immediately. But reality said otherwise.

There were no available beds. The wait was long. She needed care right away, and we had to transfer her to a private hospital.

I thought help would come, maybe from the government or somewhere. But it didn’t. We had to pay for most of the expenses—medicines, doctors, everything. Thankfully, I had learned by then to prepare for moments like this. If I hadn’t saved, if I had relied purely on hope, my sister might not have received the care she needed.

That’s when I realized being optimistic is good, but not if it keeps you from being ready.

What Is Optimism Really About?

I used to ignore red flags in friendships, thinking people would change. I used to indulge in unhealthy habits, believing I’d somehow be fine. But life kept teaching me one thing: hope without action leads to regret.

Optimism is not about denying struggles. It’s about facing them with the belief that better is possible. It’s about hoping for good outcomes, but also preparing for hard ones.

When you pair optimism with realism, that’s when real growth begins. You stop waiting for miracles and start becoming your own miracle.

So if you’re wondering what optimism is, it’s this—choosing to believe in better days, while doing everything you can to meet them halfway.