By and large in the current economic climate optimism is in pretty short supply! We cannot turn on our radios, TVs, or read the papers without being deluged by a huge wave of bad news, poor economic outlooks and dreadful happenings of one sort or another. So, it is not surprising that many arrive at my door saying how they would love to feel more optimistic.
What lies beneath their heartfelt wish are a number of really disquieting emotions – fear of loss, lack of control over their lives and futures, uncertainty and many others. Not a good way to live!
While we cannot ignore the economic environment we live it, focusing time and energy on it is a complete waste of time.
If you want to be more optimistic, then you must focus on what you can control – your outlook and your reaction to what happens to you.
Remember, your outlook shapes your life as it determines your attitudes and beliefs, which, in turn, determine your actions, which determines your results.
But take care, without proper care and attention, your outlook will be colored by what you consume – the TV you watch, the media you absorb, what you read, the conversations you have, the language you use, the company you keep. So be vigilant – all these do color your outlook.
How you react to something is totally and absolutely within your control. An event is neither good nor bad in itself – it is how you respond, react and allow it to go deep within your psyche that decides the impact it has upon you.
So, what else do you need to do to be more optimistic? Is it all “happy – clappy” stuff?
Not at all. Optimists are not a bunch of dreamers who think that everything will turn out roses. No, they are realists – they see things as they are, but then they are decisive. They get into action mode to do something about making it better.
One of the great benefits of being more optimistic is that optimism is a self-fulfilling prophecy – who would not choose that!
Research has also clearly demonstrated that optimists are happier (not a surprise!), but they live longer, cope better with what life throws at them, last longer in marriages and live healthier lives.
Pessimists are inclined to see negative events as lasting longer, having dreadful outcomes and that they cannot control what is happening to them – all down to how they react to the event!
“I was born a pessimist” – sorry, but that is a cop out! You may have been born into a pessimistic environment, but you can change. With appropriate focus, attention and desire you can change and become more optimistic.
So, how are you with optimism? How do you cope with all the negative “stuff” flying around you? How do you stay optimistic in your world? Share your thoughts below.
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Go, on – be an optimist today!!