A soldier who believes that they and their fellows can accomplish amazing goals is far superior to one who whines and complains about his situation and focuses on the possible negatives or challenges that may be difficult to overcome. A smaller force of enthusiastic, optimistic soldiers are far more effective than a greater sized force that has no confidence in their ability to complete their mission.

The smaller force's perpetual optimism is a force multiplier, making them more powerful than their pessimistic, but larger opponents.

Showing pessimism in one's abilities gives the opponent an advantage that could mean the difference between success and defeat.

Again, Napoleon sums it up succinctly. "We should always go before our enemies with confidence, otherwise our apparent uneasiness inspires them with greater boldness" (cited in Moore, 2006). This positive attitude is exactly what Powell is talking about in his explanation of perpetual optimism as a...
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