How to be an optimist
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Is the glass half full or half empty? According to Wikipedia, this phrase is "a common expresssion, used rhetorically to indicate that a particular situation could be a cause for optimism (half full) or pessimism (half empty); or as a general litmus test to simply determine if an individual is an optimist or a pessimist. The purpose of the question is to demonstrate that the situation may be seen in different ways depending on one's point of view and that there may be opportunity in the situation as well as trouble."
Optimism is a choice. A person can choose to take on a positive mental attitude. Yet, in a fast-paced world that breeds negativity and stress, achieving a state of optimism can be challenging for some.
There's good news. By following a few simple guidelines, you can shift your attitude and uncover a whole host of benefits.
- Find the positive in any given situation: This can be difficult if the situation at hand is a difficult one. But there is usually a way to find at least one positive. And chances are if you find one positive, you'll find more.
- Understand that this, too, shall pass: Life is full of ebbs and flows. Sometimes there's pain and sometimes there's joy. When you can look at life through a holistic lens, you will be better equipped to handle difficult situations with a positive outlook. You will be able to say, "This, too, shall pass".
- Change what you can control: Don't be a victim. Accept what you cannot control and change the things you can. With a proactive attitude, you will feel more empowered to take on life's challenges and persevere.
- Believe you are where you are meant to be: Regardless of your faith or what you believe in, take comfort in knowing that you are where you are meant to be. And remember that bad experiences, more often than not, lead to good outcomes.
- Surround yourself with other optimists it's contagious: It is easier to emulate a behavior when you're in the presence of someone who demonstrates it.
- Smile: It works.
The Mayo Clinic, a not-for-profit medical practice dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of virtually every type of complex illness, has identified the following health benefits that may be associated with positive thinking:
- Reduced negative stress
- Greater resistance to catching the common cold
- A sense of well being and improved health
- Reduced coronary artery disease
- Easier breathing with certain lung diseases
- Improved coping skills for women in high-risk pregnancies
- Better coping skills during hardships
In addition to the health benefits, optimism can lead to quality of life improvements as well, including:
- Greater sense of achievement: Optimists tend to strongly believe in themselves. When you expect great things, great things are more likely to happen.
- Stronger relationships: Just like anything else, relationships go through their ups and downs. But with a continuous flow of positive energy, relationships will experience a greater resilience. Keep the negative out and the positive in.
- Perseverance: By applying an optimistic attitude to a challenging situation, you are creating a positive pathway that will guide you through it.
Taking on an optimistic attitude can be fairly simple to do. By looking at the glass as half full, you will realize numerous benefits to your overall well-being.
Positive thinking can be learned. What are you waiting for?
