Optimism -- Yes, No, Maybe?
Optimism — Yes, No, Maybe?
September 6, 2022
“To find optimism, look for the good in life.”
Optimism has its benefits, but a realistic outlook has even more benefits.
Let’s look at how having a realistic view may have helped you. Perhaps you have avoided situations that may have caused more trusting people problems. Maybe being on your guard has kept you safe and away from people who drain your energy and time. Novelist Jean Rhys (best known for her novel Wide SargassoSea) says, “We can’t all be happy, we can’t all be rich, we can’t all be lucky — and it would be so much less fun if we were. There must be the dark background to show up the bright colors.”
Seven Steps to Optimism
Challenge your thoughts. Stop and ask yourself if there is another point of view in which you could look at a situation.
Be a copycat. If you don’t feel natural speaking optimistically, mimic someone who does. See how you feel.
Use affirmations. When you internalize failure into pessimism, try speaking a positive affirmation to yourself. It can make you feel better and encourage you to move on.
Focus on past success. Try to think of times in your life when you’ve had real successes. Focus on how you felt.
Stay present. When you imagine that everything is going to go wrong, it can and will. Living in the moment and making the best of things right now can take stress and worry away and brighten your mood.
An attitude of gratitude. Write down all the good things in your life. You will start seeing so much positivity. Feeling thankful will help you feel more optimistic. You will begin to see the good things that are in store for you.
It’s fine to be a realist. It’s fine to mix your optimism with a bit of realism. A balance is good and healthy.
Think about or write down three things you are grateful for today. Share in the comments below.
Have an awesome day!