How to Become Optimistic

Optimism gets a heap of great press: it has been linked to positive mood, high morale, strong physical and mental health, motivation, effective goal attainment and sustained wellbeing. Super!

There are a couple of ways of understanding the term.

Some seen optimism in terms of disposition: optimists just naturally enjoy an expectation that good things will be plentiful and bad things will be scarce.

Others understand optimism more in terms of explanatory style: optimists have a certain way of explaining the causes of bad events.

Let me explain.

Just say your house is robbed. If you’re a pessimist, it is likely your explanation will be:

• Pervasive: Everything is going wrong
• Personal: I can’t believe they chose me
• Permanent: These problems never end

But if you’re an optimist, it is likely that your explanation will be:

• Specific: What a horrible experience!
• External: There have been lots of robberies in the area
• Temporary: I’ll get this sorted

I like this approach because it makes optimism really accessible, something you can consciously choose, in tough moments.

Tags: career-coaching, life-coaching, Melbourne