When I came into the office last week one of my coworkers was complaining about the dreary, rainy day we had. I smiled and said “Yes, but at least my grass and flowers are getting watered!” That got a laugh from my co-worker. We went on our ways feeling happier. Yes, I am an optimist.
Optimism is a core quality in a happy life. In her book, “The How of Happiness”, Sonya Lyubomirsky discusses optimism. Optimists are happier, have more energy and vigor, are more resilient, have better coping skills. Optimists are healthier and have a lower risk for some types of illness. Sign me up!
Actually, I don’t have to sign up. I’ve been an optimist for most of my life. I can find big and little things to be optimistic about. Not only do I find a positive in a rainy day, I know that one day I’ll be driving the convertible I’ve been wanting for years. I suggest to people that they develop lists of positives about themselves. They review their struggles and successes. Focusing on your past successes helps develop optimism that you can succeed in the future. Along with this, there are many other ways to develop optimism too.
- Focus on the positives. Find an up side to small annoyances. Find benefits in larger struggles.
- Remove negative thoughts. Henry Ford said “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right”. If you get stuck in the negatives, you won’t even try.
- Create an optimism diary. Write down things you accomplished in the past and what you want to succeed at in the future.
- Celebrate successes. Celebrate your own successes as well as those of friends and family.
There are proven ways to move from pessimism to optimism. Regardless of whether you were a ‘born pessimist’ or learned to take a negative view, people can change. It might take some work but the benefits include a happier and healthier life.
If you want to learn more about being an optimist, call us at Specialized Therapy Associates (201)488-6678 or see our website www.specializedtherapy.com.
