Most of us believe that having a positive outlook is a good thing. I am an eternal optimist and have practiced over many years to sustain a positive mindset. Even in difficult times such as a job loss, you can foster optimism and hope by taking action. Even the smallest of steps can be beneficial. While there is a lot outside of your control, you can still create conditions for happiness and hope.
Researchers found many benefits of staying positive. For example, people who kept track of their gratitude once a week were more upbeat and had fewer physical complaints than others. People who obsessively repeated negative thoughts and behaviours were able to change their unhealthy patterns—and their brain activity changed too!
Persistent negativity also dampens enthusiasm and diminishes creativity – both in yourself and with whom you interact. And a feeling of hopelessness often goes along with feelings of being out of control. So, remind yourself how much you have achieved so far and how well you are doing despite the tough situation you are facing.
Below are my top 6 ways to cultivate optimism and hope:
- Stay in touch with friends, prioritise activities with family and build relationships by investing time and energy caring about others. Talk with optimistic and hopeful people, seek to learn from those around you and offer support at the same time you are also seeking support.
- Avoid dwelling on downers. Focusing on negatives isn’t just unpleasant, it also can make you less effective in tackling tasks you face. Ask yourself if the issue is worth your energy. Will this issue matter in a year, for example? Instead of just spinning your worry wheels, try a concrete problem-solving exercise.
- Positive thinking can lead to positive self-talk, and it helps you change your perception, something incredibly valuable in a business and life context. Just for one day, start looking at things differently. Flip a negative to a positive, stop, reflect on the situation in the moment and then change how you think.
- To enable positive thinking, it takes practice, time, and self-development. Some people use meditation or yoga to help, while others practice mindfulness and read affirmation cards. Physically exercise is crucial. This may be a game of golf, backyard cricket, unstructured free time, relaxing on the back deck, or perhaps taking a long walk.
- Give yourself “permission” to break away from the routine on a regular basis and see how it feeds positive thinking. Distract yourself: Go to a movie, pump up some music, find something fun to do.
- Finally, keep perspective. Remind yourself the hard stuff will pass, and you will get through it. Focus on the future and keep the end in mind. Even if you don’t know the best solutions to your biggest problem, just take the next logical step to keep moving forward.
Being positive is a choice and it fundamentally leads to effectiveness and happiness and has a measurable impact on your career and life. What will you do differently tomorrow to feel optimistic and hopeful?