How to be Optimistic – Habits of Optimists
What is optimism? To put it simply optimism us the ability to look at yourself, the circumstances around and the world in a positive way.
If you’re thinking that’s not you… that life isn’t rosy, and it must be a struggle… think again. The good news even the world-renowned expert on “learned optimism”, Martin Seligman, used to be a pessimist.
Seligman’ journey demonstrates optimism is not innate and we all have the ability to change.
By learning to shift our mindset we can move from being a pessimist to optimist. And, as we choose to be more optimistic we can truly have a happier, healthier and wealthier life.
Are You Still Skeptical? Read on…
If optimism seems a bit fluffy and unrealistic, prepare to be surprised as you realize the benefits with a mindset shift to the positive.
There is an increasing body of evidence that says being an optimist can have a positive beneficial effect on:
Benefits of Being an Optimist
- Physical health: optimist people tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, combined with a greater resilience in dealing with stress. Which means they’re at a much lower risk of developing heart disease. They heal faster and tend to have a more effective immune system.
- Mental health: optimists have a measurably lower level of the stress hormone cortisol in their systems and a higher threshold for dealing with stress. Their positive side helps combat the development of depression and have higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.
- Wealth: optimists enjoy career and business success. They tend to radiate confidence and attract opportunities as people are drawn to them. People who know how to be optimistic see setbacks as an opportunities to learn, change and grow. If they don’t get the job they prepare more for the next interview.
Studies have shown that optimists get higher starting salaries, have more friends and live longer and you don’t have to wear rose colored glasses to have experience an optimistic life.
Optimism and Positivity
Optimism isn’t about living in a state of positivity. Optimists tend to be very realistic. They see the wrongs in the society, injustices in the world and they acknowledge failure and sickness.
The main difference between optimism and pessimism is that optimists expect things to get better and they prepare and plan for the best. They understand that adversity happens and its part of life. It’s how they overcome it is what makes the difference.
They understand this is part of the journey and as dark as things may get, a time will come where it will get better. Optimists look for opportunities to move through, around and find a way for the good to come sooner.
Are You Pessimistic About Becoming an Optimist?
If you’re doubting that you can make a shift to optimist scientists agree that only a small percent of optimism is inherited. Keeping this is mind you can begin to see how you can re adjust your thoughts joining the optimists.
Re-Adjust Your Mindset
You can reset your mindset by adjusting the Reticular Activating System (RAS), the part of the brain that influences how you perceive the outside world. Much like the filter on your email, you can adjust it to filter out the negative stuff.
With a negative mindset will see fault and danger and all that can go wrong. Where as the positive mindset will see the good, opportunities and expect things to go well.
Learn the habits of everyday optimists and you can shift your mindset, reset your RAS and get ready to live a more optimistic attractive life.
How to be Optimistic – Everyday Habits of Healthy, Wealthy and Happier People
Notice Your Thoughts
Optimists take notice of their thoughts. If they experience negative thoughts they re-place them with a more favorable outcome.
In the beginning changing your thoughts seem like work, with practice optimism becomes effortless.
By noticing your unwanted thoughts you can rewrite your self talk and instead of beating yourself up use your experience as an opportunity to learn. Try to accept you do the best you can and replace the negative to positive words. Remember words become thoughts and thoughts a reality.
Be Your Best Self
Visualization is a powerful technique in resetting your mindset. This technique used in personal development with great success as you visualize your best self, your mind believes what it sees.
Take 20 minutes and write down your ideal future life. How you want to look, where you live, how you walk, what you wear and how you feel ‘as if’ you are your best self.
Optimist have a clear vision of who they are, what they want and have a plan to get it. Think big and write it down in as much detail as you can.
Repeat this exercise daily for two weeks, create a vision board, and you’ll see a shift in your attitude and as your attitude shifts you will create real change. You will see goal, ideas and plans will unfold for how to get there and plans will start to shape themselves.
“Since the mind cannot differentiate between real and imagined visualization can create a new reality ”
Drop Perfectionism
Life is not perfect, there is no such thing as perfect… life is the what you make it. As you learn to drop perfection you’ll become less stressed, more forgiving of yourself and others. And, as you let go failure or disappointment you will be free to enjoy life.
Optimists see the good in the small things, see opportunities in setbacks and expect good things to happen. Be kind to yourself and accept that there are some things you can’t control. Acknowledge the negative, learn, adjust and move forward.
Stay In the Present
Staying in the present keep us grounded “present”. Pessimists tend to get stuck in the past, re-living old hurts, worrying about things they can’t change and often don’t see a future.
Optimists learn from the past, re-adjusting as they move forward in life. They see the good in the present and expect more of the same!
Notice What You Have. “Gratitude”
Finding pleasure in small everyday tasks can transform dull obligations into moments of joy. Begin noticing the smell, touch, texture of the apple you peel, or feel the sun on your face as you walk to work and your ability to walk.
Start by appreciating everything around, this will teach you how to be optimistic naturally.
Being grateful what you have is a good way to promote a positive mindset. Appreciate the good…big and small.
Write what you are thankful for, what you enjoy and what will be in your gratitude journal.
Give Yourself Some Mental Space
The brain is hit with a barrage of social media and the pressure to stay connected. Leaving a sense of hopelessness, helplessness, even impending doom. By choosing to limit the internet, news and constant contact, will give you some mental space.
Schedule10 minutes, 2-3 times daily to catch up and take a few minutes to sit, relax, meditate, journal and whatever makes you feel at peace. It will give you balance.
People who are optimistic learn the art of balance, and you can to. By giving the mind some much needed space even the most pessimistic can’t ignore the good as they take a break from the negative.
Try Happiness… Fake it ‘Til It’s Real
Have you ever tried to put on a smiley face and feel sad? It’s not a trick question… try it.
Smiling has been proven to have a positive effect on your body. If you’re not happy putting on a fake smile can have an immediate and positive impact physical and your emotional state.
A smile is infectious! If you want to make friends… smile and make eye contact with the next five people you meet, from a cashier to a colleague. Just notice the reaction you get.
Bet is a positive one… and yes, people will notice.
If you’re waiting in line or in traffic take the opportunity to practice mindfulness.
As you develop an optimist mindset you’ll how easy it is compared suffering in a negative world.
Every tiny step, smile, and positive thought practiced repeatedly will rewire your brain for optimism.
As you practice the habits of positive people you’ll see this impact. You’ll feel happier, healthier and wealthier in all areas of your life.
Know you know how to be an optimist it’s time to let go, release the negative and embrace the positive. It’s time to live your best life starting today!
How to Be an Optimist Today
No you know how to be optimistic you can begin today. You can change your mind. Begin with a short meditation, writing in a journal and in a few minutes daily you will exchange the negative for positive thoughts!
Be an optimist today!