“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”
Winston Churchill
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
Anaïs Nin
One of the most common questions people ask me via email is how to become more of an optimist.
That’s why I’d like to share three habits this week that can help you get started.
I use this almost every day to stay optimistic in almost any situation.
It can sometimes take me a while to find an optimistic mindset, but these three habits usually help me.
1. Ask yourself questions that show you the optimistic outlook.
When I find myself in a seemingly negative situation, my most common way to turn it into something better is to ask myself questions that promote optimism and help me find solutions.
Questions like:
- What is one thing that is positive or good about this situation?
- What can I learn from this situation?
- What is one chance in this situation?
These questions are not something I can always tackle right away. Sometimes I need some time to process and accept the feelings and thoughts that arise.
But after a while, when those thoughts and feelings have mostly passed, I ask myself one or more of these questions.
2. Get optimistic support from the world around you.
One of the most important factors in staying optimistic is the influences around you.
Optimism – just like enthusiasm – is contagious.
So look for ways to create an environment that supports you.
The people in your life.
Try to spend more time with optimistic people and less time with people who always seem to be negative about things.
Positive people will support you, add cheerful energy, and help you find a constructive change of perspective when you have a situation that is dragging you down and making a mountain out of a molehill.
The information you let into your head.
One of the easiest things you can do to create and support your own optimism is simply to regularly read blogs and books and listen to or watch recordings made by optimistic people.
3. Start your day in an optimism-creating way.
The way you start your day often sets the tone for the rest of the day.
A stress-free morning leads to less stress and better focus throughout the day.
A workout early in the day provides more energy throughout the day.
And optimism as you eat your cereal or commute to work or school can help you stay positive and constructive through the ups and downs of your day.
Three practical ways to get this good start are:
- Read or watch something optimistic or funny for 10-20 minutes during your morning.
- Have an uplifting conversation during breakfast or early in the day.
- Listen to a motivational audiobook or podcast while taking the bus, cycling or walking somewhere.