How to be more optimistic – Drake House
We’ve all heard the phrase glass half full or glass half empty however what does it actually mean? If you look at a glass of water and it has water up to half way and see it as half empty this is a pessimistic outlook and to see the same glass as half full then this is much more optimistic view. Obviously seeing a glass as half empty and not half full does not make you a bad person however training yourself to view things in life positively can have a great impact on your life. Optimism creates opportunity, a positive outlook on life has been scientifically proved to make you happier, healthier and wealthier.
A study by a Psychologist found that ten years after graduation, law students who were optimistic earned an average of $33,000 more than their glass-half-empty peers. Expecting good things to happen will lead to taking actions that produce positive results. Expecting only bad things to come your way will keep you from doing the very things that might have minimised or avoided just that! So whether it be exams or a cricket match, going into life with a positive mindset will help you achieve the best you can. Now this is not a chapel talk as to depress all those who see as glass as half empty but instead a talk with top tips to have a more optimistic outlook on life. So here are 5 strategies for filling up your cup of optimism.
- Scientists have already proven that how you present and carry yourself on the outside has a huge impact on how you feel on the inside. Research has discovered that specific adjustments in your body language make you feel more powerful and confident. Stand tall, chin up, smile and engage with people as though you were the outgoing, confident, optimistic person you aspire to be.
- Exercise – Not only is it great for you physically, it’s a very strong drug for making you feel better on the inside. As your heart starts pumping, your body releases endorphins into your system which not only burn off stress, but allows you to view your life, and challenges through a more empowering and optimistic lens.
- Do something outside your comfort zone – Often the very thing we need to improve our circumstances requires courage. That is, closing the gap between where you are now and where you would like to be in life. This will require stepping outside your comfort zone and doing something that scares you in some way. There is no better way to build self-confidence, than by doing something that stretches you. This teaches you, that you are capable of more than you thought you were.
- Reframe a problem into an opportunity – You can’t solve your problems by complaining about them, but you can solve them by reframing them. Approach them from a new angle because where pessimists see problems, optimists find opportunities. If you change the way you look at your problems, your problems change and transform into a rich array of opportunities to grow, learn and discover.
- Lighten up – While it’s not always easy to see the lighter side of things, it’s always helpful. Humour is a highly effective antidote to lots anxiety or adversity. Laughter can flush clots, cholesterol and inflammation from the body. Even though being constantly optimistic is obviously not always possible the skill of being able to realise that it’s not the end of the world will help you deal with situations in a better and more positive way.
I hope you can go away from today and live your best and most positive life.
As the bible says ,”But the righteous are glad and rejoice in his presence; they are happy and shout for joy. Sing to God, sing praises to his name; prepare a way for him who rides on the clouds.His name is the Lord-be glad in his presence!” Amen
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