Choices

In life, there always choices. You may choose to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and take a challenging and fulfilling life. In personal growth and self-improvement there are guides and resources to help you change your viewpoint.

So why take an optimist’s view?

Well, optimism has been linked to many things that are seem as being good such as success, popularity, good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.

In our present world, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged homemaker’s disorder but also a teenager’s disorder’ as well.

Here’s how optimists see things and why it really pays to be an optimist:

Optimists expect the best

The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe negative events, will last a long-time and undermine everything they do.

The truth is optimists face the same challenges of this world. What is different is the way they see their misfortune—it’s the opposite way. They look at defeat as being just a temporary setback.

Optimists focus on and plan for the ‘problem’. They use ‘positive reinterpretation.’ In other words, they look at the experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they feel it is a challenge and try harder. - “Bring it On” attitude.

They won’t say or think “things will never get better,” “I failed once, so it will happen again”.

Optimists also react better during changeovers to new environments, sudden misfortunes and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles. Remember that it is not the number of times that you are knocked down that counts rather the number of times you can get up after being knocked down.

People respond positively to optimists

Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually attract people to them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those that around them.

Optimism appears to be a socially desirable trait in all areas of life. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.

In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.

When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher

Optimists are known to handle stress better than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.

They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.

Optimists are healthier and live longer

Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, with less of the usual physical ills and limitation that come with the onset of middle age. And they get to outlive those inclined to negative thoughts.

So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life.

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Tags: Happiness, Health, Personal Development, personal growth, Self Help, Success, truth

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This entry was posted on Monday, September 15th, 2008 at 7:23 pm and is filed under Personal Development, Self Help. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.