Is the glass
half-empty or half-full? Without a doubt, I would reply half-empty.
This question is a simple test, a test on specifically
identifying whether you are on optimists or pessimists by nature.
There has always been a debate on which trait is better.
Being an optimist or a pessimist?
Research has shown that being an optimist can result us in getting
better life outcomes.Some things include having lower blood pressure; less affected
by pain; higher chances of recovering from illnesses; better longevity; and
overall quality of life.
While we all know that pessimism, although negative in
nature, has an ultimate function that keeps pessimists to remain as pessimists,
even though we know that it is proven that a happier life can be obtained by
being an optimists.
That ultimate function of being pessimistic is to safeguard ourselves, to protect and defend ourselves from our anxieties and fears. It
allows us to feel less sad when we are unable to achieve. Unfortunately, this
may be the very reason that causes our inability to achieve or perform at our
bests.
We pessimists, instead of being trapped in that circle of
fear,
why not live beyond that fear. How we live beyond that fear? It is to
choose optimism.
Of course, when I say optimism, it is not delusional
optimism, where you totally lose the ability or the willingness to be
realistic. Rather a balance between being realistic and optimistic. Acknowledge
the bad events, being realistic, while being optimistic to focus on how these
bad events ultimately contribute to future growth and improvement.
For example, news has been reporting on current terrorist
attacks, poverty and social injustice.
We can look at this in a pessimistic point of view of having thoughts like the world is going in the wrong direction, it is ending, and it is becoming worse and worse.
Alternatively, we
can look at this news in the perspective of an optimist of having thoughts like
this is what brings activists, people, groups and communities together, to
fight, defend, support and change for the better. This is what that fuels the
motivations and passions to keep contributing with a belief for a better world.
Humans are moving on the right track, compared to 2000 years ago, solutions
were found for incurable diseases, and now more gender, financial and social equality
is experienced.
Can you see? Do you see how changing your perspective
from a
pessimist to an optimist can bring you immediate
satisfaction and contentment
with your current life?
Choose to be an optimist NOW!
3 ways to become an optimist
1. Ask yourself “Tell me something good that happened today”
It can be as simple as not having to wait for the traffic
light
today, having a seat in a public bus, or getting a parking lot
without
waiting. This allows you to get in a positive mindset
and remind yourself that
everyday has its goods.
2. Remember that anger and drive
Optimism can be easily diminished the constant failures and
bad circumstances. That unfairness, that anger, that sadness can act as a
source of passion to keep thinking positively, to motivate you to endure and
work harder each day. This will sustain us to keep on thinking optimistically
and keep having hope for the future.
3. Surround yourself with people that allows you to shine and
display your positive light
Social connections are one of the most important things in
our lives. Who we interact plays a big part of what we eventually are. We are
learners and the need to ‘fit in’ and the need to feel belonged will cause us
to mirror actions and think like those around us. Engage and make friends with
those that allow your positive being to shine through.
Lastly, a quote to
encourage your optimistic being,
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.”
― A.A. Milne
"Having the simplest optimism, create Legends"
