Building Optimism (#2 of 6)

Today I want to share #2 of 6 foundational keys to becoming more productive, resourceful and successful.

Key #2 is Building a Positive Outlook

Building a positive outlook is about training yourself to be more optimistic. Optimism is merely a mental or thinking habit. It is teachable. It is learnable. It is just a habit. You may be wondering, what is optimism.

Thanks for asking.

Optimism is the ability to look at the brighter side of life and to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. The ability to bounce back from disappointment.

Optimism involves always believing that everything will turn out well. Right?

Another good question. The answer is NO.

That is merely poor Reality Testing.

Optimism means always giving yourself pep talks - just keep saying positive things to yourself. Right?

Again, good question. And again, No.

First, you won't hear the pep talks after a short while because you know that they are phony. Second, you are in danger of hiding too much from real negatives that you need to notice and plan around.

Then what is Optimism, really?

Wow. These are great questions...

Optimism is when...

A. You practice Optimism when you choose to view setbacks, downturns, and disappointments as temporary rather than permanent. Even if times are bad right now, you recognize that this need not be a permanent condition. Things can and probably will improve.

B. You practice Optimism when you choose to see misfortune as situational rather than pervasive. For example, your company is reducing its workforce and has let you go. While this may be a bad situation, it does not mean that you are an undesirable employee and will never work again.

C. You practice Optimism when you choose not to personalize bad events with statements like "Just my luck." "This always happens to me." "I have a black cloud over my life." "I always screw things up."As an optimist you recognize that there are elements in a failed situation that you may not have been able to control, you are realistic about the aspects that you can control. If your performance in one of those aspects was poor, you take heart in the fact that it is within your control to do better or different next time.

Here is to you becoming more optimistic!

To Your Greatness!

Dr. Mike
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@PartnersInPurpose.com

P.S. If you have any questions about individualizedconsultation or coaching to help you live your big dream, contact me at mike@PartnersInPurpose.com .