What is an optimist

One of the first things I realized when I set out to write this is that the
term optimist has become a catch-all for a lot of stuff that sounds fishy
or flaky. I am guilty of this myself. When someone says to me, oh, he's an
optimist immediately think of someone who is always smiling, always
joyful, and full of those pop-psychology expressions that get people
through the day. I also believed that most of the time, it's a font and that
when these optimist types get home,they beat their wives, punt the dog,
and are generally miserable. The truth is that optimists are just people
with good and bad days and experience trials and tribulations, just like I
do. The difference is, when something "bad"happens to me, I think, of
course, why wouldn't it? I am terrible and deserve tohave all the birds in
the world shit on my newly washed car. Whereas the optimistsays, this
happens, and it is not the last word; it doesn't mean all of life is terrible
and things will be better tomorrow or in five minutes.

An optimist, by definition, is someone who tends to be hopeful and

confident about the future or the success of something. They are
hopeful. That's not the same as being mindlessly positive. They have
looked at the situation, dipped into their experience, and are hopeful that
good will happen. They aren't unthinkingly saying the world is sunshine
and roses. They are choosing to say, yup, there's crap in the world, but
there is also a lot of good, and I choose to focus on the good. I choose to
focus on the good. They don't deny the bad; they don't deny that terrible
things happen; they are not blind to the world; they choose to focus on
the good. In contrast, I focus on the bad. That's my default, and that's my
comfort zone, misery.

But no one is forcing me to live this way; I could have let what
Grandma said go in one ear and out the other, but I didn't. I chose to
believe God wants me to be punished if I feel happy, and thus, the
world wants me to be unhappy, a curmudgeon, and a world-class
pessimist. No matter what set me on this course,the bottom line is
that I made the choice.

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 How to Be Optimistic :-
if you tend toward mostly pessimistic thinking, you can get better at
seeing what's good. Here are some things to try: Notice good things
as they happen. At the end of the day, take 10 minutes to run
through your day and come up with things that you're grateful for.
Write them down in a journal or keep track using a motivational app
on your phone or tablet.
• Train your mind to believe you can make good things happen in
your life. Get in a habit of telling yourself specific things you can do
to succeed. For example: "If I study, I can get a better grade." "If I
practice, I'll perform well at the audition." "If I go on that volunteer
trip, I'll meet new friends." Don't blame yourself when things go
wrong. What does your inner voice say when things don't go as
planned? Instead of thinking, "I failed that math test because I'm
terrible at math," tell yourself: "I failed that test because I didn't
study enough. I won't let that happen next time!" Instead of saying,
"Grace broke up with me because I'm such a loser," think: "Now I
know why people say breakups are so painful, but hanging out with
my friends will help me feel better again."
• When something good happens, give yourself credit. Think of what
you did to make a good outcome possible. Did you prepare for the
test? Practice with dedication? Think of the strengths you used and
how they helped you succeed.
• Remind yourself that setbacks are temporary. As soon as
something goes wrong, remind yourself that it will pass — and come
up with a plan for making that happen. For example: "My SAT results
aren't what I hoped, but I can study more and take the test again."
• Notice how other people talk about themselves. Are friends and
family members optimistic or pessimistic? For example, does your
dad say, "I burned the hot dogs, I'm just a terrible cook!"? Or does he
say: "I burned the hot dogs because I got distracted watching the
dog chase a squirrel around the backyard!"? Optimism is a thinking
style that can be learned, which means that pessimism can be
unlearned! It can take a little while, so don't feel discouraged.
Becoming more aware of the two styles can gradually help you start
noticing more ways to be optimistic. Just keep telling yourself, "I can
be more optimistic and I'm going to keep practicing!"

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 The Benefits of Optimism:-
We are what we think. I know we are what we eat, and that's true, but how we
think colors who we are and how we live and react to life. Life is better for those
who think positively than it is for those of us, like me, who swim in a hostile sea.
So, let's look at the benefits that thinking positively and being optimistic can bring
to our lives.
Optimists feel healthier
There was a study done with 150,000 people from 142 countries, the result being
that if we think of the world as good and that things will work out for us, we are
more likely to rate our health and well-being as better. We think things are better,
so we feel better.
Optimists ARE healthier
The Harvard School of Public Health did a study, and they found that people who
see the good see the glass half full had fewer heart problems like cardiovascular
disease and better cholesterol readings.
Optimists live longer
If we expect to live into old age, we will. Researchers in Pittsburg took 100,000
women, and over an eight-year period, they discovered that optimists were less
likely to die of all causes than cynics or pessimists.
Optimists experience less stress
That whole don't stress the small stuff is actually true. Optimists tend not to
stress over the little things. Up there in Quebec, they did a study and found that
optimists produce less cortisol, the stress hormone, during stressful times. Also,
they didn't experience as much perceived stress during stressful times.
Optimists have better relationships
A sunny disposition, not nitpicking every detail, and seeing the brighter side of life
help a great deal in romantic relationships. Over in Oregon, a study showed that
increased happiness was true if both or just one partner was optimistic.
Optimists get more job offers and promotions
Some folks at Duke University followed a bunch of MBA grads as they flooded into
the workforce. They discovered that those who were positive about finding a good
job got that job. Further, they discovered that optimists always found reasons to
like their jobs, be positive about the work, and receive more promotions and
opportunities than pessimists.
Optimists adapt better
The optimist believes it's not what happens to us in our lives but how we react to
what happens that matters. Down under in Australia, they did a study with kids
entering university. Those who weret more optimistic about their move to
university life experienced less stress, anxiety and a more successful first year
overall.

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Start By Thinking Better
Like I said, this isn't going to be a situation where you can just flip a switch, and
ta-da, now you're an optimist. It will take time, and it will be worth it. I have
started on this journey of changing my mindset, and so far, it's been rough, but I
am seeing results.Here are some things that I have been working on that are
starting to sink in and help me change my mindset. These are small changes, but
they took some time to really connect. I have started noticing the good things in
life and letting them have their moment. Usually, I would see something good
and find a way to keep it at a distance with a cynical remark. Now, I notice,
appreciate, and move on.I've stopped or reduced the times when I blame myself
if something goes wrong.Specifically, this goes for things that are out of my
control. I was so bad that I blamed myself if I planned an outing and it rained. I'm
doing that less.When I do something good, I no longer think that it is a fluke and
that I will be punished if I say anything. I have started giving myself credit for the
good things I have a hand in. i've noticed how people talk about themselves. I
hear how pessimists can quickly turn even the best events into stress-filled
nightmares and how they say, of course, this happens to me. While optimists roll
easier, use happier language,support and encourage more, and are more free
with praise and kindness.

Struggle behind being optimistic

Struggling with optimism can stem from various factors, both psychological and
environmental. Here are some common reasons:
•Negative Experiences: Past traumas or disappointments can lead to a
defensive mindset, making it harder to see the positives in current situations.
• Cognitive Biases: People often have cognitive biases that skew their
perception of reality, such as focusing on negative events more than positive
ones.
• Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can cloud judgment and
make it difficult to envision positive outcomes.
• Social Environment: Surrounding yourself with pessimistic individuals can
influence your own outlook. If your social circle frequently focuses on the
negatives, it can be hard to maintain a positive perspective.
•Mental Health: Conditions like depression can significantly impact your ability
to feel optimistic. If feelings of hopelessness persist, it may be beneficial to seek
professional support.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Sometimes, having high expectations can lead to
disappointment when reality doesn't match up, making it harder to remain
optimistic.
• Information Overload: Constant exposure to negative news and social
media can foster a sense of hopelessness about the world.
To cultivate optimism, consider practicing gratitude, surrounding yourself with
positive influences, and challenging negative thoughts. Engaging in activities
that bring you joy and fulfillment can also help shift your perspective

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 Being an optimist can have several compelling benefits, both
personally and socially. Here are some key reasons to adopt
an optimistic outlook:

•Improved Mental Health: Optimism is associated with lower levels of

depression and anxiety. Positive thinking can enhance emotional
resilience and help individuals cope better with stress.
• Physical Health Benefits: Research suggests that optimists tend to
have better physical health. They may experience lower rates of
chronic diseases,better immune function, and longer life expectancy.
• Greater Success: Optimists often set higher goals and are more
persistent in pursuing them. This mindset can lead to greater
achievements in personal and professional life.
• Stronger Relationships: Optimistic individuals tend to be more
supportive and encouraging, which can foster stronger and more
positive relationships with others.
• Enhanced Problem-Solving: An optimistic perspective can lead to
more creative and effective problem-solving. Optimists are more
likely to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than
insurmountable obstacles.
• Resilience in Adversity: Optimists are generally better at bouncing
back from setbacks. They are more likely to maintain hope and look
for solutions during difficult times.
• Inspiration to Others: Optimism can be contagious. An optimistic
attitude can inspire and uplift those around you, contributing to a
more positive environment.
• Better Coping Strategies: Optimists are more likely to engage in
proactive coping strategies, such as seeking social support and
focusing on solutions,rather than resorting to avoidance or
pessimism.
• Positive Impact on Society: Optimistic individuals often contribute
to their communities in meaningful ways, promoting social change
and helping to build supportive networks.
In summary, embracing optimism can lead to a more fulfilling life,
characterized by better health, stronger relationships, and a greater
capacity to handle life's challenges.

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 Okay, so let's take an example
You are driving a car.
Scenario one :
Your car runs like a dream on a silky road without any kind of
deterrent on your way and to top that the weather outside is
invitingly driver friendly. Here, you will reach your destination on
time with add ons of comfort and less fatigue.
Scenario two :
Your car gets a flat because of the ghastly state of the bumpy,
broken and slippery road and to top that a horrendous weather
comes swinging in full wrath in form of maybe rain or snowfall or a
sandstorm or whatever that can make your journey more difficult.
Here, not only you will reach your destination late but would be
fatigued and frustrated immensely. So, now let's put these
scenarios in terms of your mental attitude.If you are an optimist
and sees through the occasional fear of failure and anxieties
regarding future, then you can empathise scenario one. Or, if you
are a pessimist and gets wound up in the fears of failure, false
mental assumptions and always concerns negatively about every
thing in life, then you can certainly envision scenario two. There are
numerous compelling reasons to be an optimist and none to be a
Pessimist.

Bibliography
Book: Learned Optimism by Martin E.P.
website: www.mybestself101.org
www.grafiati.com
en.wikipedea.org