Can You become More Optimistic?

I wanted to chat a little bit about Optimism this week because when you understand how it impacts your overall well-being, you’ll realize what a big deal it is in keeping you moving forward and feeling good about where you are and who you are. And I wanted to answer the question, How can I become more Optimistic?

I want to first clarify that I’m not talking about becoming one of those people who are toxically optimistic and seem to have very little exposure to reality. I’m talking about how you can improve your outlook in the glass half full/glass half empty scenario, attract more positive things into your life, improve your relationships and deal with hardship in a more effective way.

Some Science on Optimism

A large study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that the most optimistic women were 30 percent less likely to die from any of the serious illnesses tracked during the 8-year time period, including cancer, heart disease and stroke. And according to Dr. Aparna Iyer psychiatrist and assistant professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,

“Optimism has been shown to create physical and mental resilience for people, even those who have been through extraordinarily traumatic life circumstances or medical situations.”

So having a positive outlook can not only keep you more physically healthy, but help you get through when times get tough.

Becoming More Optimistic

Your environment

If the people you surround yourself with are pessimistic, then you will likely swell in that place, too. If you don’t have an optimistic, positive place to spend your time, go look for it. A great place to start is where the volunteers are. Volunteers tend to be givers and are a great option to help expand your network.

Your perspective

Think about the collective rather than individual reality. Yes, things have been tough for many over the past few years, but if you look at the whole human story, we have accomplished some amazing things. That should give you hope. Broaden your perspective and revel in how you can triumph, as well.

No news is good

The media is not your friend. The media outlets are compensated through views (advertising $$), and negativity and divisiveness bring in the most viewers. When was the last time you felt optimistic for our future after watching the news? Granted, they do tend to throw in that feel good story at the end as a reward for sticking through it all, but most of it is just depressing.

Grateful for what you have

Being grateful can also make a significant difference in how you see the world. Gratitude isn’t just an act, but an outlook. When you focus on what you have rather than what you don’t, everything changes. Gratitude is most impactful when it includes people, as we are inherently social beings, and when it is not routine, because our brains get bored and stop paying attention. In other words, be grateful for new people and events in your life rather than the same old things every day.

Negative happens

If you only wear rose-colored glasses you will likely walk into a pot hole. Being optimistic does not mean that you shun reality. You need to address obstacles and be realistic in your actions. A combination of optimism and realism are what allow you to most effectively navigate life. See my earlier blog for more in addressing negative thought patterns.

Optimism next

I challenge you to pick one thing this week that reduces pessimism and negativity and promotes optimism and positivity. Check in at the end of the week and see how you feel.

If you want to get a baseline of your current emotional slant, take my Leading Emotion quiz to find out!