aboutpersonalgrowth

Optimistic versus Pessimistic

An optimistic person sees the glass as half full but also accepts that it's half empty, whereas a pessimist only sees it as half empty. This is also how each views life.

The optimist has a positive attitude, cultivates positive thinking, and expects favorable outcome from any situation. The pessimist is a naysayer. He complains, worries and fuss about almost everything.


Having optimism is one of the solutions to avoid getting stressed easily with events and situations that are going around and attracting the good. Being hopeful, confident and having positive expectancy about the future does not mean that one is living in denial. It actually is allowing the law of attraction and deliberate creation to work where you get what you are expecting and thinking about.



How to Cultivate Optimism


bullet2 Make an affirmative decision.

The first thing to do is make it a goal to become optimistic. An affirmative decision leads to affirmative action.


Decide that you will cultivate a positive outlook and look at the bright side of thing, events and people. It'll help if you write down the reasons why you want to acquire this attitude and how it will benefit you.



bullet2 Direct your brain.

Give instructions to your brain to think positive thoughts and create constructive mental pictures. Take control of your self talk and use words that boost confidence and esteem. Your focus on the pictures, sounds and sensations in your head will determine what goes on in your external world.


Recognize and interrupt your patterns of thoughts that are ineffective. It takes efforts initially to activate your mind to project desirable outcomes but you can develop the habit if you keep yourself aware, redirect your thinking and practice intensely. Keep in mind that your brain learns through repeated instructions.



bullet2 Question your beliefs.

How you perceive situations and respond to them is based mostly on your belief systems. In order to have an optimistic outlook, question your limiting beliefs that have distorted your point of view.


The next time you feel that pessimism tries to seep in and your confidence declining, ask yourself questions that will help change your focus. If you question your beliefs persistently, you will start to doubt them.



bullet2 Focus on what you can control.

Unexpected things turn out in everyone's life and people disappoint every now and then. Accept responsibility and understand that you have within you the power to control your thoughts, actions and responses.


Get rid of the helplessness feeling. Put your focus on the things that you can control instead of on the things that aren't working or on people who are uncooperative and energy drainers. Your personal growth and success depend on where you place your concentration most.



bullet2 Expect the best from every situation and every one that you meet.

Whatever you expect becomes your reality. Anticipate the best in situations and people and it will show up. Pay attention to only the good and believe in the possibilities. Feel the joy even before it happens. You are now deliberately attracting them into your life.



bullet2 Acceptance.

Optimism doesn't put you on cloud nine all the time. At times what you hope for does not show up fast enough. You will still face challenges and setbacks. But you will bounce back and will get up fast.


If you have cultivated the positive outlook, you will accept that there are possible delays. You have faith that there is something better which you are not yet aware of. You will take it as a feedback and re-examine your beliefs, focus and strategies.



bullet2 Look out for role models.

If you think it's still difficult for you to develop an optimistic attitude and need further help, read, especially autobiographies of successful men and study how they overcome their challenges thorough efforts and idealistic views. Listen and watch inspirational and motivational video and audio programs.


Look out for the teachers who will speed up your learning process and help you acquire more ideas and improve your skills. Put the knowledge into action.



bullet2 Stay away from pessimist.

Avoid pessimists. They have nothing good to say. They want company and want to influence you to think like them. They'll tell you that you are being unrealistic. And no matter how you try to convince them, they cannot accept your way of thinking. They are not ready to do so.


Look for people who believe and expect possibilities. Stick around them instead.



Your Response or Comment

What do you think?

Enter Your Title

Tell Us What You Think! [ ? ]

Upload A Picture (optional) [ ? ]

Add Picture Caption (optional) 

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name

(first or full name)

Your Location

(ex. City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.


(You can preview and edit on the next page)



Go back to self help page.


Return from optimistic page to about personal growth homepage.



failingforward

Quote

"In the long run the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip. - Daniel L. Reardon..

Subscribe to
About Personal Growth Newsletter

Email

Name

Then

Don't worry - your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Personal Growth information.




Subscribe To
This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My MSN
Add to Newsgator
Subscribe with Bloglines



Copyright © 2005 - 2009. About-Personal-Growth.com. All Rights Reserved.