Is your glass half full or half empty? Perhaps taking time to examine your attitudes and boost your optimism.Optimism is the belief that things will turn out well. It is the expectations that good things come your way and that you have the ability to control the direction of your life. Very importantly, optimism is a way of thinking, not a permanent part of your character. Optimism motivates people, pessimistic thinking leads to helplessness. Also, optimism creates resilience both physically and emotionally. Where are you on this scale? What will it take to get you more positive or optimistic? This quote is from Dr. Seligman himself.
What are the benefits of Optimism found by research? Just to mention a few.
- Healthier hearts
- Increased levels of good cholesterol
- Improved problem solving
- Improved immune system functioning
- 9% lower risk of stroke
- Lower depression & PTSD
- 243 Centerarians had positive attitudes toward life.
If you want to know more about Optimism, read works from Martin Seligman, Ph.D. You can take an optimism test to see where you stand. You may want to also check out Seligman’s book on optimism.
