I am optimistic (but a little scared) about being able to run a marathon in April.

I am optimistic that the power of the web to organise without organisation is fundamentally a good thing

I am optimistic that the coming generation of media and advertising graduates will take less notice of the way things have always been done and more notice of their own individual ability to create change and do great work

I am optimistic that the vegetable patch in my garden will be the best ever this year

I am optimistic about being able to lead, be a part of, and inspire positive change in the place where I work

I am optimistic about getting better at rockclimbing (even though I’m still a bit rubbish)

I am optimistic that one of the outcomes of this recession will be momentum towards greater business transparency and a more constructive form of capitalism

I am optimistic about being able to get tickets to see an upcoming Stone Roses reunion gig

I am optimistic about the curiousity and enthusiasm I see in people and it’s power to make things happen

I am optimistic about marketing and advertising’s ability to be inspiring, useful, and relevant.

Neil is the Director of Marketing & Strategy for the commercial functions of IPC Media, the well known UK publisher of consumer magazines and associated websites. He also publishes the remarkable weblog, Only Dead Fish ((where Neil went so far as to plug this very project, kind soul that he is)).