The Optimism Button.

Today’s Marketing Cookie is all about discovering the impact of a new button—one that transforms your outlook and boosts your approach in unexpected ways.

Monday morning hits hard. You have a coffee stain on your shirt and realize you’re about to be late for an important meeting. This, of course, is the moment when Microsoft decides to update. Watching that progress bar inch forward feels like you’re sitting next to the guy with the tiny head in that Beetlejuice waiting room, waiting for your number to be called. You say out loud, “Come on, come on, come on. Let’s go!” You can’t help but feel overwhelmed and frazzled, hoping somehow this day will turn around.

After rebooting twice, the update is finally finished. You open your Outlook inbox to find a new button that instantly catches your eye. Unlike the other drab, boring buttons, this one has a glowing smiley face on it. The button is labeled “Optimism.” You hear that dreaded Ding! as a new email from your manager hits your inbox:

Ding!: Next Steps

"As we move forward, I expect everyone to take ownership of their tasks. Please ensure you are proactively managing your deliverables and not waiting for me to follow up. Let’s keep the momentum going!"

After reading the email, you feel frustrated and overwhelmed. With a sigh, you click the new glowing “Optimism” button. Whoosh! A wave of sparkles washes over the screen, and to your amazement, the email message suddenly changes:

Whoosh!: Moving Forward Together

"Thank you for all your hard work. Let’s keep tackling our tasks and supporting each other. If you need help or have questions, just reach out. We’ve got this!"

Ding! Ding! Ding! Three more emails come in. So, you click the Optimism button three times: Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! And like magic, the little sparkles transform the messages:

Ding!: Project Analysis

"We need to drill down into the data from last quarter. Please compile your findings and be prepared to discuss them in our next meeting. Clarity is key, and I expect thoroughness."

Whoosh!: What We Learned

"Let’s look at last quarter’s data together. I appreciate your hard work and when we meet next time, I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts."

Ding!: Immediate Action Required

"All team members must get their act together and get all of our objectives aligned for the upcoming quarter. I expect everyone to submit their individual goals by EOD tomorrow. No exceptions!"

Whoosh!: I Need Your Help!

"I know everyone’s juggling a lot right now, but the timeline for submitting our goals for next quarter has been changed to tomorrow. I know it’s a tight turnaround, but if you could please send your individual goals by the end of the day tomorrow, we can build a solid plan together!"

Ding!: Performance Expectations

"I need you to step up your game on this project. You need to deliver exceptional results, and I expect nothing less than your best effort."

Whoosh!: Let’s Aim High

"This project will be challenging, and I believe in your ability to do great work. Your effort will be key to our success, and I’m excited to see what you can achieve!"

Imagine if your version of Outlook had an “Optimism” button that magically transformed every email into a message of encouragement and support. How much easier would your day be with that kind of boost? 

The truth is, there’s already an “Optimism” button—and it’s you. By choosing to communicate with empathy, respect, and a positive outlook in your emails to your team, co-workers, and even your boss, you become that source of encouragement and support for others. Imagine where this can take you: toward stronger relationships, increased trust, and a more uplifting work environment. 

If you press yourself into bringing more positivity into your communications, you’ll soon find that the impact you make can be just as today’s fortune predicts, “Optimistic outlook will take you far in the coming months.”