How to Be an Optimist – 7 Habits of Optimistic People
Some people are seem naturally optimist – but can anyone learn how to be an optimist? Today we talk about the benefits of being optimistic and the 7 daily habits of optimistic people, so you can life a happier life too.
If you catch yourself talking down to yourself or about others it may seem like an impossible be turn your attitude and thoughts around. But the fact you are reading this article and asking the questions – how to be an optimist shows you are ready, willing and very capable of making the change. So read on and discover what optimists do even when times are tough.
How to be Optimistic – 7 Habits of Daily Optimists
1. Notice Your Thoughts
Optimists are aware, they notice their thoughts and adjust them accordingly. Notice the thoughts that fill your mind as you notice negative messages rewrite your self talk. If you beat yourself up for failing, think of what you learned from that experience and how you can improve. Try to accept you do the best you can and replace the negative to positive words. Remember words become thoughts and thoughts a reality.
2. Let Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionist are hard on themselves and often those around them, which can make life more of a struggle than it is. But life is not perfect, it really is what you make of it. When you learn to let go of perfectionism you will stress less, be more forgiving of yourself and others.
This is an advantage of being an optimists, as they see the good in the small things. Optimistic people see the opportunities instead of setbacks and expect good things to happen.
Letting go of perfection can take time, So, be kind to yourself and accept that there are some things you can’t control. Acknowledge the negative, learn, adjust and move forward.
3. Be Your Best Self
Visualization is a powerful technique in resetting your mindset. This is a technique used is personal development with great success. When you visualize your best self, your mind believes what it sees.
Take 20 minutes and write down your ideal future life. How you want to look, where you live, how you walk, what you wear and how you feel as if you are your best self. Optimist have a clear vision of who they are, what they want, and then they make a plan to get it. Think big and write it down in as much detail as you can.
Repeat this exercise daily for two weeks, create a vision board and you’ll see a shift in your attitude. And as your attitude shifts you will create real change. You will see goal, ideas and plans will unfold for how to get there and plans will start to shape themselves.
The mind cannot differentiate between real and imagined. This is why visualization is a great tool to help change your thoughts, and, as a result change your life.
4. Optimists Stay In the Present
Staying in the present keep us grounded. Pessimistic people tend to get stuck in the past. They relive old hurts and worrying about things they can’t change. So much that they often fail to see a future. On the other hand, optimists look forward, learn from the past. They take what is good and are quick to adjust what didn’t work so well.
5. Give Gratitude
This sounds incredibly simple, but giving gratitude changes your mindset. Take time to appreciate even the smallest things in life and it will change the way you think about things. This is one of the first habits to make changes when one asks “how to be positive’. Grab a gratitude journal and write about what you are thankful for, what you enjoy and what brings you a sense of pleasure.
Finding pleasure in small everyday tasks can turn them from dull obligations into moments of joy. Notice the smell, touch, texture, and appearance of the apple you peel, feel the sun on your face as you walk to work and your ability to walk.
Train yourself to appreciate everything you do and all that is around you and the more optimistic you’ll become. Give gratitude.
6. Give Your Mind Some Space
Another one of the daily habits of optimists is to give themselves some mental space. The brain is hit with a barrage of social media and the pressure to stay connected. Leaving a sense of hopelessness, helplessness, even impending doom.
But you can choose to limit the internet, news and constant contact, and give yourself some mental space. Take time to breathe. This sounds simple but breathing exercises can be transformation.
Schedule 10 minutes, 2-3 times daily to catch up and take a few minutes to sit, relax, meditate, journal and whatever makes you feel at peace. It will give you balance. Optimists have the learned the art of balance, and you can to. Give your mind some much needed space, it will leave you feeling more relaxed and help build confidence knowing good things are more than possible as you take a break from negative thoughts.
7. Practise Optimism
Optimistic people are not always positive. They experience ups and downs just like everyone else. And even when times are tough they make an effort to see the bright side. Even if you need to practise optimism it will eventually have an impact on your life.
Here’s and example – Have you ever tried to put on a smiling face and able to feel sad? It’s not a trick question. Try it. Even if you’re not feeling especially happy, smiling has been proven to have a positive effect on your body. Smiling changes your brain chemistry having immediate impact physical and your emotional state.
Smiling is contagious want to make friends smile, make eye contact with the next five people you meet, from a cashier to a colleague, notice the reaction you get. You will likely notice that you get a positive response as you give off more positive vibes.
For example, if you’re waiting in a queue or in a traffic jam, instead of getting irritable, take the opportunities to practice mindfulness. It is a far more positive response that will ease stress and change your thoughts.
Every tiny step, smile, and positive thought practiced repeatedly will rewire your brain for optimism.
What are Optimists
Optimists are people who expect things to go well, and in general have a more positive outlook. That doesn’t mean life is great all of the time, but they tend to bounce back quickly from negative events.
Positive people tend to attract more friends, get better jobs and, are often healthier and wealthier. If your think positivity sounds a bit too idealist and it’s not for you… why not you?
Can Anyone Become an Optimist?
Short answer yes! Even pessimistic people can be positive, optimism can be learned. Change requires practice whether you are transforming your body or improving your outlook on life.
If you want a positive, happier, healthier mindset then commit to change and start the journey. Most optimists have had more than their fair share of struggle. They come from all backgrounds, circumstances and have overcome tough times.
Contrary to popular belief its not that only people with money are happy. Yes, having money can reduce stress and give more choices but that is not the reason for their outlook. The truth is even the most self professed pessimist can become an optimist.
Positive Living
Being an optimists brings endless benefits. Because optimists are positive they live in a higher energy vibration, and as a result they naturally attracted good things. Just like the law of attraction they tend to be a magnet for good.
Optimistic people tend to enjoy better friendships, relationships,get better jobs and are generally overall healthier. That has to be worth making the effort to change!
Benefits of living when you learn how to be an optimist:
More Energy
When you live in a positive state you are more relaxed, you sleep better, and the energy to enjoy life. Having more energy gets you involved more in life. These people are more vibrant and a dynamo for even more energy.
Optimists take risks, enjoy new opportunities and adventures. They tend to live fuller, richer lives.
Attract More Wealth
Positive people get noticed because of their higher energy. Because they stand out they often get offered better jobs and, that may earning more income.
Entrepreneurs though hitting hard times tend to be optimists it helps them get back on track quicker. Its a key for success in business.
Physical Health
People with positive outlooks tend to have better physical health when compared to their negative counterparts.
These people often have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, combined with a greater resilience in dealing with stress.
They often heal faster and possibly have a stronger immune system.? Besides the physical benefits they often fair better when it comes to emotional health.
A measurably lower level of the stress hormone cortisol helps them deal with stress. Their positive side helps combat the development of depression and have higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.
Can Everyone Learn How to Be an Optimist
Optimism is not about living in endless positivity. In fact, optimists are very realistic; just like most people they see the wrongs in the society. They also notice the injustices in the world, and they acknowledge failure.
But the difference between optimism and pessimism is that an optimists has a belief and expects that things will get better. With this said most people can learn how to be an optimist. Like building a muscle it may take practise. But the journey is worth it.
How to Become an Optimist
Optimism and pessimism are a mindset traits, you can reset your mind for a positive life and all that goes with it. Thoughts are what create our outlook and with positive intention and practice you can transform negative thoughts. I can guarantee the making the shift will bring benefits that will transform your life in ways you can only imagine and all for the better.
Re-Adjust Your Mindset
You can reset your mindset by adjusting the Reticular Activating System (RAS), the part of the brain that influences how you perceive the outside world. Much like the filter on your email, you can adjust it to filter out the negative stuff.
Whereas a negative mindset will see fault and danger and all that can go wrong, the positive mindset will see the good, opportunities and expect things to go well. Learn the habits of everyday optimists and you can shift your mindset, reset your RAS and get ready to live a more optimistic attractive life.
Concluding 7 Habits of Optimists
When you learn how to be an optimist your life will begin to change naturally. You will begin to attract positive experiences, people who are happier and pleasant to be around. And doors you never imagine will open up for you. So begin today, and follow the 7 habits of optimists and start living the life you deserve.