Optimism: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome. – Merriam-Webster Dictionary
There are three frames of mind where you’ll most often find yourself: optimistic, pessimistic, and apathetic.
Optimism is the feeling or belief allowing the ability to perceive and understand challenges as impermanent and surmountable. In short, optimistic people seek the best outcome in each and every situation.
Contrast this with pessimism. These individuals often perceive challenges as insurmountable roadblocks that make it either impossible or extremely difficult to move forward. Sadly, pessimism takes the prize as the leading cause of broken dreams.
Finally, there is apathy – a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Total, complete indifference is probably the only thing worse than pessimism. Why? Because there is no effort, passion, fight or struggle to be seen in apathetic people.
Now, if we are honest with ourselves, we can admit to feeling all three of these mindsets at some point in our lives. There’s a good chance that we are feeling one of these mindsets right now. The truth is we all need to feel more optimistic and a little more hopeful in our daily lives.
Here are some good reasons to be more optimistic. . .
4 Reasons Optimism is the Ultimate Success Formula
Reason #1: More people will trust and respect you.
Co-workers, friends, family, and those you interact with will see your positivity and optimism and immediately respect and admire you for it. Trust and respect are two things that no amount of money or power can earn, and are huge factors in your quest for success and happiness.
Reason #2: People will be drawn to you.
When’s the last time you saw a Debbie Downer receiving admiration and praise? Not that you need constant approval from people, but you at least want to seem approachable and likeable. Right?
Optimists have magnetic energy, and people love that.
Reason #3: It is vital to success in anything.
Optimism is irreplaceable for success in business and in life, as optimists are incredibly resilient and strong individuals. They are seen as reliable, trustworthy, respectable, and confident individuals. Obviously, this has a tremendous impact both on what you believe you’re capable of and what others believe you are capable of. People want to know that you believe in yourself before they believe in you.
Reason #4: You are mentally and physically healthier.
When the Mayo Clinic, the top hospital in the United States, is publishing work on the health benefits of positive thinking and optimism, it’s a BIG deal.
Indeed, the organization has reported the following benefits to positive thinking and optimism: increased life span, lower rates of depression, lower rates of distress, greater resistance to illness, better coping with stress, lower risk of death from heart disease, and better overall mental and physical wellbeing.
In conclusion: be more optimistic! Granted, it can be very difficult at times – but it’s doable. It all starts with self-talk or the endless stream of thoughts running through your mind. There are many, many ways to induce more positive thinking into your thoughts– meditation, prayer, rest, exercise, and on and on.
Just find what works best in activating your optimistic brain and stick with it.
Stay optimistic, friends!
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