Can Optimism Make A Difference In Your Life? Being an optimist means you can achieve your goals more often than not. You know that, even on your bad days, there’s a glimmer of hope.
Optimism is like finding the calm within the chaos. It’s how we push past failures and setbacks and still be able to yearn for a brighter future.
You’re probably thinking, “Well, that’s all fine and good, but can optimism make an actual difference in my life?”
Well, that’s what we’re here to find out today. Let’s get started.
How Can Optimism Make A Difference In Your Life?
No one ever got hurt because they were optimistic—just the opposite.
Noam Chomsky once said, “Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you’re unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so.” Why?:
Recover Faster From A Major Event
Whether it’s an illness or an interview that didn’t go as planned, optimism can help you get past it quicker. One reason for the fast recovery is that optimisms don’t take things as personally. They let go of the negative quickly, just like water off a duck’s back.
At the same time, they also allow themselves to feel sad or disappointed. They know the difference between reality and fantasy and have no problems facing their setbacks head-on.
Yet, the secret to what makes optimists different from negative thinkers is how their brains work. When something unexpected happens, optimists automatically go into ‘fix-it’ mode. They get busy coming up with alternatives to fix the situation and ultimately reach their goals.
Practice Preventive Health Measures
Studies show that optimists live longer and have a better chance of surviving life-threatening diseases and illnesses.
The reason?
Well, for starters, optimists are more likely to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle as much as possible. This type of lifestyle helps reduce stress, which is a major player in deciding how our health will turn out.
Increased stress levels lead to high blood pressure, obesity, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It can also affect the digestive process as well as your sleep patterns.
Optimists know that their bodies are like a machine. When one part goes out of whack, it affects the rest, which is why they’re always vigilant about maintaining a regular exercise routine, eating right, and staying away from behaviors that could be potentially damaging to their health.
Sustains Your Mental Well-Being
It doesn’t take a genius to realize that optimists are happier and more hopeful. They seem to have this innate knowledge that things will turn out for the best, especially when dealing with problems.
They don’t avoid the reality of what’s going on. Instead, they try to find a solution to the problem instead of distracting themselves and living in denial.
This is the primary difference between being positive and feeling hopeless. The first one boosts your mood and increases your self-confidence. The second one, on the other hand, is a major risk factor for depression, cynicism, irritability, and general lack of interest.
Both have a significant impact on your life. So, which one do you pick? Do you go with door number one and live a balanced, hopeful life? Or will you choose door number two and let yourself fall into a pit of pain and despair?
Makes You More Likely To Act
Achievement comes in many forms. Yet, experts agree that those who are more successful in their respective fields are optimists.
They engage more in goal-oriented behaviors, like focusing on their school work and looking for ways to better themselves as individuals. They’re also more motivated to strive towards financial success.
The best part is that you have more fun along the way. Through the ups and downs, being optimistic means your positive outlook will affect how you see things and people. Thus, you react in a calmer, more understanding way.
Whenever you’re in a difficult situation, remember Pastor Charles Swindoll’s quote: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”
Reigns In Negative Self-Talk
You may not be as graceful as that ballerina or gymnast on the bar. But there’s no doubt that you’re just as skilled somewhere else.
We’re all different, and each one of us has something special to bring to the table. Optimism allows you to focus on the things you can do instead of the things you can’t.
This way, you accentuate your own unique skill set. In return, you’re able to stand out from the crowd, which is a great morale booster.
Yet, at the same time, you’re realistic about your limitations. And, any time there’s a setback, you take responsibility, recognize it’s temporary, and move on.
Conclusion
So, can optimism make a difference in your life? Definitely!
Optimism can improve your overall well-being, boost self-confidence, and encourage more positivity. By challenging negative thoughts, you can overcome challenging situations. Not only that, but it’ll allow you to see the world in a more positive light and make you more resilient in the face of adversity.