The Key to Being an Authentic Optimist

Authentic optimist attitudes are linked to a number of benefits, including better coping skills, lower stress levels, better physical health, and higher persistence when pursuing goals.

Sometimes we hear optimism and immediately question it. That’s normal. How can someone feel positive about life no matter what? Isn’t this faking it ‘til you make it? No, optimism is to mindset what pessimism is to mindset. An optimist acknowledges a challenge and seeks to overcome it.

What is optimism?

Optimism is a belief that our external environment is the root cause when something bad happens. Optimists consider these situations as out of our control rather than an internal flaw. They don’t take the blame or blame others. Instead, optimists understand that the bad is inevitable, but the good is too.

Optimists know that bad things are temporary. Good is also temporary. A part of optimism is in someway similar to realism. The reality is that most things don’t last forever, and they know that. Optimists stand strong in the face of adversity. This creates resilience. Resilience represents a sustainable character in the face of uncertainty.

How can we build resilience?

Don’t give up. Life has many challenges that seem like an uphill battle. Here are some ways to approach them:

• First, acknowledge adversity. You can accept that something is difficult.
• Second, think about the situation logically. Break down adversity. Is this something permanent? Is this in my control? Will things get better eventually?
• Third, focus on the long-term. Things will get better once the storm passes.
• Finally, learn from the challenge. This is out of my control, but what is in my control? Take what you learn and apply it when adversity strikes again.

Putting it all together

Okay, we now have an understanding of optimism and resilience. What’s next?

Understand that building resilience builds authentic optimism. We focus on the strengths of adversity and less on the weaknesses. Instead of accepting defeat, we see a challenge through to the end. We know that some situations are out of our control. We also know to use what we can control to move forward.

Optimism may not happen overnight. We can restructure our brains. Rethink consistently. You will be an authentic optimist before you know it. Here’s a challenge:

Start an optimism journal. Break down each situation into what you can and can’t control. Take note of the long-term results. Write down strengths and also weaknesses. Last, reflect on what you learn in the face of adversity.

Consider starting an optimism journal today, and begin your journey to the optimist side.

It is also possible to develop authentic optimist. Pessimists can essentially learn to be optimists by thinking about their reactions to adversity in a new way and consciously challenge negative self-talk.

[wce_code id=2]

[wce_code id=3]