Even under difficult circumstances, do you tend to find the bright side? Or do you concentrate on the negative and assume the worst right away? Most of us may be classified as either pessimists or optimists based on our worldview. Researchers say your upbringing has a big impact on which group you fit into and your strategies to become more optimistic.
They are optimistic results from our surroundings as much as psychological features. Babies and kids absorb the emotional energy in their families from a young age. Even if youngsters are naturally prone to anxiety, they thrive in a calm, caring environment.
Optimism, however, is among the first things to do in a stressful and dysfunctional family situation. When your caregivers don’t set an example for you, it might be challenging to remain emotionally open and positive. However, your upbringing isn’t entirely to blame if you identify as someone who often chooses the bad.
Approximately 25% of optimism is inherited, according to studies, and other, often uncontrollable circumstances, such as socioeconomic situation, also influence our optimism. However, it still gives us plenty of leeway to grow up with a more positive perspective. Therefore, there is hope if you tend to view the bad in a scenario.
Tips For Becoming More Optimistic
1. Keep In Mind That Being Positive Doesn’t Mean Ignoring The Bad
One of the strategies to become more optimistic is that, when very terrible things are occurring, optimism does not imply concentrating only on the positive. Even when reality isn’t so wonderful, it’s still necessary to accept it. Say, “All right, this is where I am,” after stepping back. I accept the difficulties I encounter. They will not be minimized by me.
“Hopefulness: the attitude that good things will happen and that people’s wishes or aims will ultimately be fulfilled” is the definition of optimism. Your attitude, which you may alter throughout time, is the source of your optimism.
2. Maintain A Gratitude Journal
Keep a thankfulness diary and write in it every day. You might write down the things for which you are thankful regularly in a gratitude diary. You may express gratitude for even the little things, like a delicious dinner or a beautiful day.
They may also be more significant or intricate, like independence, a steady job, or a loved one. You may cultivate a more positive outlook and emphasis on the beneficial things in your life by regularly acknowledging your blessings.
3. Start Small
As an answer to how to become more optimistic, ask yourself, “What might go well today?” as soon as you wake up. You may train your brain to concentrate on the positive if you merely think about one or two pleasant things in your environment, like the fragrance of a delicious cup of coffee, the fresh air, or your favorite pillow.
Another strategy is thankfulness, which is the act of reflecting on and valuing favorable or joyful situations. Several studies have shown that gratitude exercises like writing a letter of thanks or maintaining a gratitude diary may result in a happier attitude. A thankfulness practice doesn’t need to be as ambitious or demanding as writing. Simply observing what you like or that is doing well should be your first step.
4. Know The Things You Can Control And Can’t
It’s critical to let go of things that are beyond your control and hence unchangeable. One of the first steps to feeling better is figuring out what you can alter.
Researchers focus on two main areas of control: primary control, which includes everything you can alter in the environment, and secondary control, which involves the internal adjustments you can make to affect your feelings about your situation. You feel more hopeful about your future when you make improvements in either your main or secondary area, and they begin to improve your surroundings or perspective.
5. Imagine Yourself At Your Finest
What would your ideal existence look like in ten years? What would it feel like? As one of the strategies to become more optimistic, for one or two months, take a seat and write about it once a week for six to eight minutes. Focus on your “best possible self” in one area every session, such as your family, job, relationships, or health.
Numerous studies demonstrate that seeing your ideal future may increase your levels of optimism, even though it may seem like wishful thinking. By focusing on all of your aspirations coming true rather than worrying about the worst-case scenario, you’re building your “optimistic muscles.”
6. Pay Attention to How You Consume Media
Give up evaluating yourself against others on social media. Keep in mind that the pictures you see have been manipulated and selected. They don’t always represent the actual world.
Spending too much time staring at these unattainable ideals might cause “future tripping,” a never-ending spiral of fretting that you’ll never measure up or become as successful as the person you’re comparing yourself to. Additionally, watching the news isn’t the greatest thing for your mental well-being.
That’s not to suggest you shouldn’t keep up with local and global happenings, but if you find yourself worrying excessively about the news, setting limits on your time is reasonable and beneficial. It is one of the most essential strategies to become more optimistic.
7. Consider Your Desires More Than Your Dislikes
As an answer to how to become more optimistic, keep in mind that you are in charge of choosing where to direct your energy. You will experience more of what you don’t want, which is a lot of bad feelings if you focus on what you don’t want.
On the other side, thinking positively will be aided by any good activity, such as volunteering, giving, or reflecting on something for which you are thankful, as well as by being solution-focused. Even if it takes some time, solutions do eventually emerge from problems. Therefore, instead of focusing on what didn’t work out in the past, use that time to consider what you want for the future.
8. Recognize Negative Thoughts
It’s OK to accept the possibility of negative outcomes. Ignoring truth isn’t useful, after all. Actually, the secret to giving it your all may lie in being realistic. If you’re overconfident that you’ll get the job, you may not put in any preparation time for an impending interview.
However, you may jeopardize your chances of being employed if you have a too pessimistic view. For instance, thinking, “No one will ever hire me,” might make you feel hopeless when you enter the interview room. Reminding yourself that no matter what happens, you’ll be OK if you just do your best is a good way to think.
Being upbeat makes it easier to think that better chances are coming your way and that you can work hard to obtain them. Consider how realistic your ideas are for a second while you’re thinking badly. You may keep a healthy dosage of optimism by rephrasing your too pessimistic ideas into more realistic ones. It is one of the best strategies to become more optimistic.
9. Just Do It
It will grow easier the more you practice positivity. However, if you’ve been stuck in a negative pattern, it doesn’t mean you have to force yourself back into it.
In reality, optimism may be restored without “penance” or extensive cosmetic procedures. It has to do with the path you are on. Think of optimism like a parallel railroad that runs directly beside you. Regaining your direction doesn’t need much effort. Take just one step.
The Tangible Health Benefits Of Optimism
Does it make sense to put in the work to develop a more optimistic brain? Yes, according to science. The sunny worldview offers some very substantial advantages for your productivity and well-being, according to research.
Research that was published in Clinical Psychology Review found a strong correlation between resilience and optimism. It has been shown that optimism helps individuals, even those who have had very painful life events or medical crises, develop both mental and physical resilience.
Additionally, research indicates that people with a positive perspective are more likely to take charge of their health, have stronger immune systems and better cardiovascular health, make more money, and have more fulfilling relationships. It should come as no surprise, given all of these proposed advantages, that studies also indicate optimism may increase the longevity of people who find strategies to become more optimistic.
According to comprehensive research by the Harvard School of Public Health, women who were the most optimistic had a 30% lower chance of dying from any of the major diseases that were monitored throughout the 8-year trial, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
FAQ
Q: How do you keep your optimism in focus?
A: Like pessimism, optimism is a way of thinking. By using this approach, you can develop, learn, and nurture an optimistic mindset: accept things as they are, including the negative ones; have faith that you will succeed in the future despite them; and take charge of your life by being organized, persistent, and prepared.
Q: In what ways can optimism unite us?
A: It influences your ability to manage stress, interact with others, and make wise decisions. Optimism has been associated with improved mental and physical health outcomes. It may also help people feel positive when things are tough.
Q: Is optimism something you can learn?
A: Developing the capacity to see the world in a positive light is known as learned optimism. It’s often compared to acquired helplessness. People may learn how to become more optimistic by confronting their negative self-talk and substituting more positive ideas for pessimistic ones.
