7 Steps To Be An Optimist, Not A Pessimist and Live HAPPIER. IT'S YOUR CHOICE

“A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.” 

If trouble does appear on the scene, instead of worrying about it, optimists immediately start looking for solutions.  And guess what, they spend a lot less time in trouble, because it is not welcome in their life!

‘Optimist’ is a word which here refers to a person who focuses on the positive.  For instance, if an optimist lost her left arm in a car accident, she might say in a hopeful voice, “I’m alive.  I don’t have my left arm anymore, but I do have my right one, and my life still to live.”

Being an optimist does not mean that you ought to be out of touch with reality, disregarding complexities and obstacles in life and behaving in an irrational manner. Also, it does not mean waiting for things to happen automatically. It means expecting the best, accepting that the best will happen to you; but at the same time making choices to make it happen, taking after your choices, acting appropriately in realizing them.

On the other hand the pessimist will see the worst in something. They will then take all the responsibility personally. They will then feel bad not just for what they have done, but for who they are, and think nothing is right. They will then think nothing will ever be right. At this point they will stop trying to change things and just concentrate on surviving.

 What’s most difficult to take from pessimists is their judgment of others. This is the main way they can like themselves. With so much self-loathing, it’s no big surprise that they have so little trust in themselves or any regard toward oneself. Therefore it is better to be optimist than pessimist BUT , How can you do that in 7 simple ways ?!!

1. Focus on solutions, not on problems. 
If you find yourself obsessing about a problem, feeling negative, or experiencing self-doubt, change your focus by asking: What's one thing I could do differently that might make this situation better? Replacing problem-focused thinking with solution-focused thinking immediately gives you a sense of forward movement, possibility, and hope — the foundations of optimism.

Life is mostly just a problem solving process.

2. Give yourself daily "done wells."
Get in the habit of recognizing "done wells." Take a few moments every day to ask the question, "What have I done well today?" This simple gesture reinforces optimism on a daily basis. The answers accumulate and eventually help you develop self-confidence, which is extremely important for success.

3. Minimize obstacles to success.
What kinds of distractions or obstacles routinely get in the way of meeting your goals? Is it your to-do list? Unproductive habits? Negative people or saboteurs? One of the keys to achieving optimism is to make steady progress, and that means limiting distractions. Figure out ways to avoid temptations in your life so you don't deplete your reserve of discipline before getting priorities done. If you waste time on the internet, then don't go online. If you have difficulty saying, "I'm busy" to friends, let their calls go to voicemail.

Succeeding rather than failing keeps you optimistic.

4.  Inspire yourself with a smile and positive reminders.

If you expect the worst, the worst will happen.  If you let things bother you, they will.  But if you smile, you’ll feel better. 

Studies have shown that putting a cheerful smile on your face can trigger a part of your brain that actually makes you feel happier and more optimistic about the present and future.

Also, feed your optimism with positive reminders.  Write down short statements that inspire optimism.  Put them in places where you’ll see them every day, such as on your bathroom mirror, the inside of your locker, and on your computer monitor.

• “Anything is possible.”
• “Lead a life of positivity.”
• “The only thing I can control is my attitude towards life.”
• “I always have a choice.”
• “Even the longest journey begins with a single step.”
• “I will look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism shine.”

5.  Find the opportunity in every difficulty.

Optimism does not mean ignoring the problem entirely; it means understanding that setbacks are inevitable, often temporary, and that you have the skills and abilities to combat the challenges you face.  What you are dealing with may be difficult, but it is important to remain hopeful and positive about a brighter future.  Optimism will inspire a sense of hopefulness and the confidence that is required to take full advantage of the opportunities that do exist. 

Remember, the most beautiful rainbows come from the sunlight after a very dark storm.

6.  Surround yourself with positive people.

You are only as good as the company you keep.  If you’re around gloomy people, there’s a good chance you won’t be smiling.  Make it your mission to dodge negativity.  Surround yourself with supportive friends who have positive outlooks.  As they say, if you want to soar with the eagles, you have to stop hanging out with the ducks.

Optimism is a learned habit, and it is positively contagious.  Surround yourself with people who could infect you with positivity.  In turn pass your new good mood on to a friend or stranger in words and deed – let somebody have that parking space, let that person with only a few items cut in front of you at the market. 

The simple act of doing something nice for others is actually a good pick-me-up all by itself

7.  Count your blessings.

There is so much good, so much beauty, so much love in your life.You have so much right now to be thankful for, you just need to pause long enough to appreciate it.  Do so.  This will help frame a better attitude and take your mind off of the negatives.

Start a feel-good journal.  Buy a blank journal and fill it with things that make you smile, like a photo of your pet, or a compliment a friend gave you.  Use it to track your accomplishments and celebrate your victories. 

Stick only positive things in your journal and open it up whenever you’re feeling down.

SEE YOU TOMORROW WITH WAY #27

ABOUT MARWA ABD EL AZIZ

Marwa is a pioneer and expert in developing projects to build revenue, profits and corporate visibility  with extensive experience in all facets of  projects starting with site identification, developing and overseeing the implementation of the feasibility plans for projects; actively participating in the various financial analysis, acquisition, master planning, design review and tendering.

She is in the UAE Property Development industry Since 2001 during which she has coordinated all administrative activities pertaining to construction projects with an overall budget exceeding 5 billion.

Marwa holds an Architectural Engineering degree, PMP and Master in Project Management from the American Academy U.S.A.

More info: https://pdcconsult.com

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