Relentless Optimism in Action

Rya Hazelwood
Oct 8, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Oct 19, 2024

Relentless Optimism has always been a core tenet of my belief system. (In fact, I’ve written a book — due out this fall — titled “Relentless Optimism & Other Life Goals.” More on that soon.)

That said, even for those of us devoted to optimism, there are moments when success feels like an impossible goal — when the odds seem insurmountable. And speaking as a Vandy grad, no one knows this better than a fan of Vanderbilt football.

But here’s the truth: Victory is not always about the final "win." It’s about resilience, perseverance and having the grit to keep going, even when the challenges seem overwhelming. Show me someone who’s achieved their dreams, and I’ll show you someone who failed many times along the way.

Take Vanderbilt’s recent game against Alabama, for example. In what’s now being hailed as the greatest win in school history, Vanderbilt defied the odds. Facing an opponent they hadn’t beaten since 1984 — one no one thought they could defeat — they went after that game from the start, refusing to quit. They fought. They believed. And they secured a history-making win.

This is what relentless optimism looks like in action.

It’s not about blind faith or wishful thinking. It’s about putting in the hard work, day after day, no matter the obstacles, and holding on to the belief that good things can and will happen.

In both business and life, we often face our own "Alabama" moments — challenges that feel too big to conquer. But those are the moments when tenacity, hope and relentless optimism fuel the most meaningful work.

So, whether you’re in the middle of a tough project or navigating personal struggles, remember: You can defy the odds. And victory might come when you least expect it.

Perseverance + Hard Work + Hope = Success.

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