The Power of Being Optimistic and Positive

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

– Winston Churchill

When faced with a problem, an optimist starts figuring out ways to solve it or turn the experience into a positive one. A pessimist, however, will grumble and moan about whatever they see as wrong with the given situation. 

According to the world's foremost expert on optimism, Dr. Martin Seligman, everyone is born optimistic. And yet, 95% of adults are pessimists, not optimists. What goes wrong? Some people see the glass as half empty. Others see it as half full. 

Your mindset is the biggest influence on your viewpoint. If you are determined to make something happen, changes are more likely it will. Likewise, if you tell yourself you can't, I promise you, you won't! 

The pessimist feels helpless and powerless, but the optimist consciously decides to try something, to take action and not settle for what is. Even if it doesn't succeed, an optimist can take pride knowing they weren't just sitting on the sidelines.

Positivity is also a preference and a habit. It may be subconscious, but if you're optimistic, you habitually see the glass half full and prefer to see it that way. 

Think about the following statements:

-          Optimists achieve their goals because they never give up

-          Optimists attract success naturally

-          Optimists are happier, healthier, and more energetic than pessimists

-          Optimists are easier to be around, inspiring people around them to be positive

-          Optimists live longer and suffer from fewer and less severe diseases

-          Besides the above, optimists lead a higher quality of life.

These are all probably true just because optimists' positive thinking makes challenging situations "not that bad" after all. 

Now true optimism is not sitting back, thinking positive thoughts, and hoping everything will turn out right. It's how you see the world, positively rather than negatively. You face each situation, each problem, and each occasion with a positive attitude, and you always look for the bright side - the silver lining. 

You have a choice. 

"Change your thoughts and change your world," said Norman Vincent Peale. What it comes down to is that your attitude is a conscious choice. If you choose pessimism, you're choosing to see the downside of every situation, judge people unfairly, and live unhappily. What an oppressive existence!

On the other hand, if you choose optimism, you're empowering yourself to see the positive side of each challenge, seeing the good in people and the good in life, and taking action to improve your life further. Being more optimistic and positive does not mean you won't encounter difficult times, trauma, loss, and other challenges. It means that you will have more power on your side to help you through those tough times. You'll bounce back faster and make better choices rather than letting life pass you by. You'll learn to be proactive instead of reactive.

If you're not naturally optimistic and positive, don't worry. You can learn how to use your thoughts to change your attitude and emotions. It will be challenging. Some days will be very challenging, but you can do it. Improving your optimism rates is one of the most important actions you can take to improve your life. It doesn't come automatically, however. It takes effort. It takes deliberate, conscious awareness of your thoughts and feelings. And then acting on that awareness.

Here's a starting point:

When you wake up in the morning, you decide - Today's going to be a good day! Say it out loud and tell yourself as you look in the mirror. Starting your day out like this will improve your chances of having a good day. 

There is sound science to support the power of positive thinking. Mindfulness and gratitude have been shown to make a measurable difference in our day-to-day life.

Each time you think a negative thought, stop right there and turn it around to find the positive aspect of the situation. Do this each time and build on it. It will become a habit to be positive and upbeat about your life.

Practice your 'positive thinking'. Give yourself permission to think of new thoughts and feel new feelings.

Expect the best out of life!