When it comes to how we view the world, most of us fall into one of two categories: optimist or pessimist. And according to experts, whatever category you fall into has a lot to do with your perception and upbringing. However, we can always adjust our perceptionss. Let us see if a person can become more optimistic.
How To Become More Optimistic
Many equate optimism with happiness. While one can affect the other, they are not the same. Optimists usually will regulate their behaviour and emotions in a healthy way, maintain healthy habits, cope well with problems, and control negativity. Optimistic people still experience stress, depression and sadness. They have bad days and negative thoughts like everyone else. They just don’t allow them a prominent place in their thoughts and actions. See three things that can help you become more optimistic:
Adjust your Viewpoint on Things
shift your perspective and consciously think happy thoughts. Making this conscious effort not only shifts your viewpoint in the short term, but it may actually train your brain to think more positively in the long term. It will affect your reaction to future situations and make you more positive about your outlook in life.
Be Selective of your Friends
Just as some diseases are contagious, emotions can also be contagious as well. Happiness may be a collective phenomenon: Having a happy spouse, or a friend or neighbour, who lives within a mile of you appears to increase the probability that you will be happy as well. This means you need to reduce the amount of time you spend with negative-minded people, folks who are pessimistic in approaching every situation. Start noticing who you spend time with on a daily basis. If you start connecting with people who are optimistic and grounded in life, you will start to be affected by their positive energy.
Acknowledge What You Cannot Control
This is one of the most important requirements of being optimistic. You have to acknowledge that there are things you have no control over. For example, your girlfriend breaks up with you. Remembering that there is nothing you can do about the situation can help you stay optimistic. You also acknowledge that it is a choice she made and you have no control over her choices.
It’s important to remember that making an effort to be more optimistic doesn’t mean we ignore negative things around us. Optimism should not keep you in a fantasy. A combination of optimism and realistic thinking helps people navigate through life.
