How to Become Optimistic
Thursday, August 20, 2020Optimism 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