OKA’s EQ Playlist–Optimism

What songs make you feel good about the future?

In the EQ-i 2.0 model, Optimism refers to your ability and tendency to look at the brighter side of life and to maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity. Optimism gives us hope and faith while it enables us to see the future as a positive, inviting place. The following songs would have to be on OKA’s Optimism playlist–boosting our EQ and brightening our sense of tomorrow. Click on the album art or the song title to hear the song.

Blue Skies, Willie Nelson

This classic by Irving Berlin has been giving people nice thoughts about the future for almost 100 years. My favorite version is by another music legend, Willie Nelson. “Blue skies smiling at me. Nothing but blue skies do I see. Blue birds singing a song. Nothing but blue skies from now on.”

Bright Side of the Road, Van Morrison

The brilliant career of Van Morrison has given us a steady stream of great music about pain, insanity, despair and spiritual questing. An optimistic gem nestled within this body of work is this upbeat song from 1979.

I Can See Clearly Now, Johnny Nash

Number 1 hit, 1972. “It’s gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny day.”

Beautiful Day, U2

Like fellow Irishman Van Morrison, U2 take a pretty unflinching and gritty view of life and the future. This terrific song, however, urges us not to ignore life’s struggles and pain, but while enduring them, remember to notice and embrace life’s joys. “It’s a beautiful day—don’t let it get away.”

Hope of Deliverance, Paul McCartney

In this great song from the early 1990’s, Sir Paul brings his distinctive sound to hope, faith and optimism. “We live in hope of deliverance from the darkness that surrounds us.”

Land of Hope and Dreams, Bruce Springsteen

This late-career classic from the Boss is less about the brightness of tomorrow than it is the faith in the grace and redemption that await us all. Itself a loving homage to Curtis Mayfield’s spiritually optimistic “People Get Ready”, Springsteen has never been better than this.

Looking Forward, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

A beautiful Neil Young song with tight Crosby, Stills and Nash harmonies—four old friends looking at the future with nothing but love and peace on the horizon.

Optimistic, The Sounds of Blackness

Great song—a funky, groovy plea to be positive and embrace the future.

What’s on your Optimism playlist?

Interested in OKA’s other EQ playlists?

• OKA’s Playlist–Self-Regard
• OKA’s Playlist–Self-Actualization
• OKA’s Playlist–Assertiveness
• OKA’s Playlist–Independence
• OKA’s EQ Playlist–Interpersonal Relationships
• OKA’s EQ Playlist–Social Responsibility

Interested in Learning More About the EQ-i?

OKA is a leader in field of Emotional Intelligence, with industry-leading EQ-i Certification and advanced application training programs as well as a host of EQ trainer support tools, including OKA’s EQ Introduction Workbook.

OKA’s EQ-i Certification Workshop

EQ for Teams and Organizations

Advanced EQ Interpretation Skills