Cynicism and doubt are the result of fear coupled with ignorance.

I was recently listening to someone describe a way to make money with a certain type of business. My initial reaction was Thats got to be a scam. In reality, I had only heard two sentences describing the business that indicated putting money into it and making lots more money back. The reality was I knew nothing about the business itself and had not even asked before jumping to conclusions. Alas, I did finally choose to learn more about it, and discovered it was indeed a legitimate way of conducting business and that many people do this every day.

Why did I jump to this kind of conclusion, and with so little information? Then it occurred to me. Ive heard a definition of cynicism as the result of fear coupled with ignorance. After hearing just a brief description, I was still clearly ignorant about the business, and I certainly felt a bit of fear that I was going to be asked to put money into this venture. There you have it, the recipe for instant cynicism and doubt. I dont like to think of myself as ignorant, but the reality is that we are all ignorant about those things we dont yet understand (This is different than the common way the word ignorant is used to describe someone who speaks or acts as if they know about something, but have chosen to not learn about it.)

Next time you hear or see something that brings up those feelings of cynicism and doubt, perhaps ask yourself a few questions:

Do I really understand this situation?
Is there a part of this that brings up some type of fear or uncertainty for me?
How would I react if I were hearing this from someone who I have known for year, and whom I have great trust and respect for? Would I still feel this way about it?

Of course, some things deserve cynicism and rejection. The goal here is just to make sure that you dont sell yourself short by not really seeing the whole picture, or by feeling like youre on the spot about it.

Al Lipper

I am very fortunate to have an extraordinarily diverse background. This helps me connect with and motivate individuals from many walks of life in a very practical and real sense. My formal education includes an undergraduate degree in Cognitive Science (the study of human thought), as well as two graduate degrees - one in Education, the other in Psychology. 

Much of my professional background has been devoted to working with others to maximize their life potential. For over a decade, I led workshops in team building, communication and personal empowerment, serving thousands of clients. Additionally, I served for three years on the faculty of California Polytechnic State University in the College of Business. 

As an entrepreneur and businessman, I have been involved in a number of start-up business ventures and served for four years as President & CEO of an engineering company. For two years as facilitator of a wellness program, I worked with others to effectively bring more balance into their lives. Other pursuits include flying airplanes as a commercial charter pilot and working as an inventor, developing new technology-oriented devices.

Over the years, I have used the things I have learned to cerate the life I have today. Some of my dreams were: complete a four-year college education (I now hold two graduate degrees, as well), teach at a University, learn to fly airplanes (I became a licensed commercial pilot and got paid to do something I love), find the woman of my dreams (after years of bad relationships, I very deliberately focused on what I really wanted in a relationship. Today, my wife is my best friend, and we continue to share an amazingly passionate relationship even after ten years and two children.)

Teach others how to improve their lives (Fifteen years ago, I had a vision to instigate lasting changes and to share inspiration with others. Now I get to do this every day and thoroughly enjoy it).

Now that you know a bit more about me, you should know that I am very human! My life isn't perfect, and I don't have it all worked out. I am a work in progress (thankfully, or what else would I spend my time on?) I feel human emotions, just like you: happy, sad, judgmental, scared, stressed, angry, defensive, and overwhelmed. Sometimes I eat dessert for breakfast, and I even have a few disagreements with my wife. It's all part of the whole human experience.