Posts tagged “optimistic managers”

Over the past few weeks, we’ve discussed how optimism contributes to resilience. We’ve looked, at length, at how those who have an optimistic attitude area able to be more resilient in the face of adversity, and who those who are optimistic have the ability to persevere in meeting the challenges of life and business. So, if you happen to be one of those people for whom optimism is learned rather than inherent, you might wonder how you can increase your level of optimism in your daily life. Here are some tips for increasing your optimism level on a daily basis.

1. Count your blessings. Optimistic people are “glass half full” people. If you tend to look at the negative in life rather than the positive, you will experience more unhappiness, less health, and you will be less likely to be able to withstand the challenges life throws at you. Take a look at all you have to be thankful for. A good job, challenges, and family and friends are all reasons to celebrate. The more you celebrate your blessings, the more you will be motivated to work toward even greater ones.

2. Reflect on past victories. Too often, we focus our attention on the things that didn’t turn out the way we planned. However, we are motivated to “beat our best” when we take just a moment to reflect on those moments that made us feel proud. Working toward something even better is always important. But, don’t forget the power that took you there. It is that power that will take you there again.

3. Breathe. Constantly moving toward greater victories is admirable. However, it can lead to burnout. Everyone needs a little rest and relaxation. Time away from your business and your goals provides balance and perspective. Both of these are necessary for looking at the big picture and contemplating the steps that will take you to the next level. Many times, a little time away from your goals provides just the remedy to help you focus more clearly when you return to work.

For some, optimism is a natural character trait. For the rest of us, it is learned through a conscious reflection on those things that make us grateful and keep us moving in the right direction. As you look at your goals, don’t forget to reflect on all you have achieved and all you have to be grateful for. It is those things that help you look toward an even brighter future.

Optimism is an important trait that benefits many aspects of your life. Optimistic people are happier, and even tend to live longer. While you may have realized that optimism is important, you may not have realized that being optimistic also helps make you more resilient. Here are some things to consider:

1. Optimistic people see the glass as half full. The optimistic person often sees the setback that might make a pessimistic person give up as a learning opportunity. The optimist keeps moving forward, realizing that she has “at least learned what not to do”. Optimists recognize that failure is part of the process.

2. Optimistic people can wait for the happy ending. Because the optimist inherently believes that all will work out for the best, he is better able to keep working toward delayed gratification than the person who doubts that success will come even eventually.

3. The optimist gets back up more easily. While we’re not trying to suggest that optimistic people never have bad days, it is clear that the optimist recovers from those bad days more quickly than the pessimist. This allows them to keep their momentum more easily.

Some people are inherently more optimistic than others. However, optimism is a trait that can be developed. Your optimism is sure to increase as you focus on the good things in your life rather than the bad ones, and as you learn to see failures as opportunities to improve your skills. At first, this will take some analysis on your part, particularly when it seems that an event or obstacle can’t possibly have a good side. Eventually, however, you will begin to see the positive in situations more easily. Over time, working toward a more optimistic attitude can make you happier, and increase your chances of reaching your most important goals.