Choosing Optimism over pessimism
In his book Learned Optimism, Martin Seligman focuses on the benefits of optimism and how to become an optimist. His research shows that optimists tend to perform better at work and school, are less stressed than pessimists, show greater determination in achieving goals, age better, usually experience better health and are happier.
That’s a lot of good reasons to practice being an optimist.
Optimism is a learned mental attitude (a thinking habit) of automatically expecting favourable outcomes and feeling hopefulness about the future. Pessimism is also a learned mental attitude, but with a strong tendency to focus on the worst aspects of life and to feel helpless about the future.
Pessimism is a learned habit that can be unlearned and replaced with automatic optimism, with practice.
My top 6 tips for learning to be automatically optimistic
Be grateful
Have an attitude of gratitude when you start each and every day. Consider all the positive things that you’ve enjoyed and be thankful for every one of them. By doing so you will be able to see possibilities where others only see problems.
Give others the benefit of the doubt
Instead of allowing your imagination to go wild whenever you face criticism, look at the bright side of things. Perhaps you were scolded because the other person cared enough for you, or wanted you to learn. Or there could be a misunderstanding that needs to be cleared up.
Hang out with positive people
To build your optimism, you need to choose who you spend your time with. Opt for those who can build you up, see the glass as half-full, and encourage you. You don’t want to be surrounded by people who drag you downwards and drain you of your optimism. Why not set up a Zoom party with your most upbeat friends today?
Imagine your best self
Visualise and imagine yourself in the best possible light and exude confidence when you do so. Adopt the mantra of faking it till you make it. Picture yourself as somebody strong, confident, popular and smart. The more you practice the easier and more effective this becomes.
Live in the moment
Do not dwell too much on the mistakes of the past or try to predict the uncertain future. Instead, enjoy your time in the present. The true meaning of life is experiencing and savouring whatever you have right now.
Challenge your negative thoughts
Negative thinking habits cause feelings such as sadness, anxiety and anger. Often we are unaware of our negative thoughts as they occur automatically and appear to be both reasonable and believable. You can read more here about how to challenge your negative thoughts and turn them into positive thoughts.
