Unlocking Optimism: How an Antique Doorknob Inspired My Life Philosophy
Sometimes the key to your next breakthrough isn’t a door... it’s the handle.
In a world where chaos dominates the headlines and uncertainty feels constant, an antique doorknob sits quietly on my desk.
To most, it’s just an old piece of hardware.
To me, it’s a daily reminder of something deeper… the power of hope, resilience, and perspective.
The History Behind the Handle
I bought this doorknob years ago from an old hardware store.
It was worn, scratched, and missing its door… its original purpose long gone.
But when I picked it up, something about it caught me.
It made me wonder: Where did this come from?
Whose home did it open?
What possibilities once lay on the other side?
That mystery is part of the beauty.
Because life’s most profound lessons often come from what feels unfinished.
Growth Over Fatalism
This little doorknob preaches a quiet sermon every day.
It reminds me that purpose doesn’t disappear when seasons change... sometimes it just gets repurposed.
It challenges me to reject fatalism… the mindset that says, this is just how life is.
Instead, it whispers, you can still turn something.
Here’s what it teaches me:
Embrace Challenges. Like this doorknob, we can find new purpose even when we’ve lost what once defined us.
Choose Optimism. Choosing hope isn’t weakness… it’s quiet strength.
Stay Persistent. Setbacks aren’t endings; they’re repurposing moments.
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You’ve read the story… here’s the deeper takeaway.
Below, I’ll share the three-part practice this antique doorknob inspired in my leadership journey: how I use a 90-second reset to keep optimism alive even in high-pressure environments.
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🌄 The Practice of Optimism (in Leadership and Life)
Many mornings before I open my laptop, I spend time reflecting on the week behind, the week ahead, and then focus in on what is important for today.
I often read a short devotion, a scripture of the day, and then I look at that doorknob for a few seconds... and ask myself three questions:
What door am I meant to open today?
Who might need me to help them turn their handle?
What old part of me needs to be repurposed?
That 90-second pause changes the posture of my entire day.
It turns stress and chaos into clarity.
Leaders, parents, pastors… and those carrying the burdens… we spend our lives unlocking possibilities for others…. but sometimes we just need a reminder that our hopes and dreams need to be unlocked too!
So here’s your challenge for this week:
Find your own “antique doorknob.”
Something small that reminds you who you’re becoming.
Then build a rhythm around it... one that turns frustration into faith, and uncertainty into opportunity.
Because optimism isn’t pretending everything’s fine… it’s believing God can repurpose what’s not.
Much Love,
Chris Antonelli
Director at Microsoft • 20-Year Pastor • Creator of Leader Unlock
Lead with clarity. Live in rhythm. Leave a legacy.