Optimism

How to educate your brain to be positive.

Optimism isn’t just a state of mind, it’s a key to a wealthier, longer, and more successful life. If you find yourself leaning towards negativity, here’s a guide to help you shift your perspective and unlock the power of optimism.

Like many, I come from a family of worriers. My mother and grandmother, bless their hearts, would lose countless hours of sleep over things they couldn’t control. As a child, I fretted about fitting in; as a young adult, my career and finances kept me up at night; and now, as a middle-aged parent, I find myself worrying about almost everything.

Some might label me a pessimist, but I prefer to think of myself as a realist. Let’s face it, there’s a lot that’s not right in the world, and a lot that could go wrong in our lives. I’ve always believed that if you’re not worried, you’re not paying attention. In my line of work, a healthy dose of cynicism, or at least skepticism, is a necessity.

However, I’ve always envied optimists. Who wouldn’t be? They’re just so thrilled. Being an optimist is also beneficial. 

According to Dr. Sue Varma, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University and author of Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being:

“Numerous studies involving more than 200,000 people have discovered that optimism is associated with various favorable outcomes. People who embrace optimism report greater immunological function, heart health, and overall health results. They also have fewer bodily symptoms and less pain overall.

In addition to being healthier, she claims that optimists are wealthier, live longer lives, and have greater success in life, work, and relationships.

While it may be a chicken and egg situation (who wouldn’t feel optimistic if they were healthy, wealthy, and successful in their careers and relationships? Even pessimists can change their mindset. 

REFRAMING FOR A MORE POSITIVE MINDSET

Stephanie Vozza, a Fast Company writer, completed a two-week negativity fast earlier this year. One approach she tested was the ABC hypothesis, which stands for “an activating event, your belief about what it means, and the consequences of how you react to it.” For example, if someone cuts you off in traffic, you may assume they are a jerk or rushing due to an emergency. 

Vozza also used Martin Seligman’s “three blessings” technique during her negative fast. The concept is simple and similar to gratitude notebooks, which many of us have rolled our eyes at for years. Every day, write down three positive experiences. The premise is that most people complain a lot and don’t even realize it, and thankfulness is the antidote to whining.

OTHER STEPS TO TRAIN YOUR BRAIN FOR OPTIMISM

Contributor Shawn Casemore transformed his perspective from pessimism to optimism with a few simple changes. Here’s what worked for him.

Turn your anxieties about dangers into a positive inquiry. “What’s the worst that can happen?” turns into “What are the best possible outcomes?”

Share your optimistic outlook with others. “When we repeat things out loud, we override the little green negative person on our shoulder whispering pessimistic views in our ear,” he continues.

Surround yourself with positive people and news. He also advocates criticizing unpleasant comments and viewpoints when you come across them. 

Contributor Shawn Casemore acknowledges that maintaining an optimistic outlook can be challenging. However, he reassures us that the effort is worth it. When we consider the benefits of being optimistic, it becomes clear that the strategies we’ve discussed are effective tools for training our brains for optimism.

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