The Optimist Creed

More than a hundred years old, and it still reads like it was written for today.

Most of us don't have it memorized. But after a while, you notice it showing up in your life every day.

Promise yourself —

  1. 1. To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
  2. 2. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
  3. 3. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
  4. 4. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
  5. 5. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
  6. 6. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
  7. 7. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
  8. 8. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
  9. 9. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
  10. 10. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Written in 1912 by Christian D. Larson, in his book Your Forces and How to Use Them. Originally titled “Promise Yourself.” Adopted by Optimist International as its official creed in 1922.