Is your glass half full or half empty? We’ve all heard the question.
There is scientific evidence – and lots of it – linking optimism to success and good health. The opposite is also true – that pessimism is more likely to lead to failure, increased stress and poorer health.
Our outlook, like many things, can be trained. Looking on the upside or downside are often habits we’ve reinforced.
To see changes and reap the benefits that come with a more optimistic outlook, we need to become mindful of where our thinking is taking us.
Just for starters, every time you catch yourself being pessimistic, come up with three optimistic alternatives.
This optimism/pessimism outlook is much the same as the difference in mindset between either feeling grateful or always wanting. You’ll find those who express more gratitude are more optimistic and vice versa.
Just like making improvements in the gym, take baby steps, be realistic in your goals and patient. Don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself slipping back into pessimism. Just start again and seek to do better next time. Changes of habit are seldom instant.