There is something special about looking forward to something. Knowing that there is something good that is going to happen, or even might happen, gives us a reason to get up a bit earlier and work a bit harder. Optimism is the fuel that leads us to put our noses to the grindstone and persevere in the face of the inevitable setbacks.

Without optimism, we wind up looking at temporary setbacks as unscalable, permanent obstacles. What we might be able to overcome becomes too much to attempt. When we have no hope, we have no reason to work hard, to push forward, to try again. Instead, it is easier to give up, to give in, to make do with what is already there.

Pilgrims came to these shores in search of a better life. They must have believed that their future here was brighter than it would have been had they stayed put. Otherwise, they would not have braved the ocean voyage to come to America.