It was an ordinary day. Reading about being optimistic and pessimistic. Do you fall into one of these categories? If so, which one. For those who are a bit pessimistic, my story today will give you a few ways to change all that. Found them in a booklet that told me about rediscovering my optimism. So here are 7 ways to be more optimistic!
1. Recognize optimism is a choice you can make every day... "This doesn't mean you feel positive all the time; it's having the confidence to know you can cope with whatever life throws your way. It means acknowledging the negative, while making a conscious effort to think optimistically. For example, it can be as simple as choosing to smile when you feel glum. It's your choice to feel down, or to do something positive to take your mind in a different direction. You can't control everything, but if there's one thing you can control, it's what you think."
2. Be mindful of negative thinking... "Next time you catch yourself having a negative thought swap it for a positive one. This might take some practice, but after a while it will start to feel more natural. If you've had a bad day, tell yourself 'tomorrow will be better' and plan on what you can do to make it that way. Or, if you know you've got a Zoom meeting with a tricky client, rather than approaching it with dread, prepare for the challenge and do your best, but afterwards let it go."
3. Practice gratitude... "Gratitude allows you to redirect your focus. When you feel grateful, your mind shifts your focus from what you should have more of, to what's good in you life right now. Practicing gratitude is a process of trying your best to see and be thankful for the positives in your life, even in the midst of a difficult situation."
4. Turn off the news... "How often do you wake up in a perfectly good mood, only to turn on the news and you end up feeling angry, disappointed, fed up, fearful or depressed with everything that's going on in the world? Don't watch or listen to anything that makes you feel bad. If that includes watching the news, then watch something uplifting instead and let in the information that supports you."
5. Be mindful of who you spend time with... "When you surround yourself with people who make you feel happy and relaxed, this automatically makes you feel more positive. That doesn't mean you can't share problems, or have off days, it's just that if you've got a good circle of friends, who uplift you and inspire you, it's easier to feel optimistic." Negativity often comes from spending too much time on your own and overthinking things. "That's why it's important to make time for your friends -- even if it's just to meet for a walk to talk on the phone."
6. Get Active... "Rather than complaining, moaning an feeling sorry for yourself, take a walk, go for a bike ride, or hit the gym. The idea is to get your body moving. Physical activity releases endorphins and you're less likely to feel pessimistic with these feel-good neurochemicals circulating in your body. If you don't know where to start, download a fitness app."
7. Reframe Past Setbacks... "If you find your mind wandering to a post disappointment, such as a job or relationship that didn't work out, think of all the details you can remember, trying to be as objective as you can. In that way would you have wanted the situation to turn out better? Now reframe the situation and write a paragraph about what good came out of it. Perhaps you got a better job, or made a new circle of friends."
So...there you have 7 ways to be more optimistic! Pick out one or two and give them a try. You may surprise yourself and want to try it once again. Before you know it...you may be a different person! I've learned from my past, and I'll never regret it! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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