How Do The Optimists Do It?

Wayne Dyer tells us, “Change your thoughts and you change your life.” Few people would argue with such ancient wisdom. However sometimes it is easier said than done.

I have spent the last year learning strategies to develop an authentic positive mindset and eliminate negative thought patterns. It’s an ongoing process. Much like developing a physical muscle, you can’t coast on your progress. Muscles atrophy when they are not used – both physical and mental muscles.

The good news is that there is a wealth of resources available to help. From uncovering limiting beliefs to dissolving fears, from choosing deliberate focus to envisioning a successful future, the tools are plentiful and accessible.

I have experienced first hand the rewards of “changing my thoughts”. The peace and optimism that I experience these days are worlds apart from the misery and depression that hung over me previously. The real bonus is that a positive mindset leads to inspired action. I have accomplished a ton and pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone to incredible limits. Life has become an exciting adventure.

Recently I came across the book, Hard Optimism: How to Succeed in a World Where Positive Wins by Price Pritchett. It contains so much of what I have been practicing I wanted to share some of it with you. Pritchett offers 12 practices to build your optimism muscle. Here are the first four:

Practice 1: Control the life-shaping power of your thoughts and attitudes – Pritchett reminds us that we are the boss of our attitude. Whether we choose optimism or pessimism, it is a choice.

Practice 2: Assess Your Current Level of Optimism – studies have found that 75% of people consider themselves optimists. However when measured objectively, optimism and pessimism are evenly distributed in the population. Many of us are fooling ourselves. Check out practices three and four. Which one describes you best?

Practice 3: Develop the Explanatory Style of an Optimist – The little voice inside an optimist’s head affirms their ability and predicts good fortune. When optimists do encounter trouble, they tend to see the problem as transient (temporary), external (not a reflection of their capabilities), and specific to the situation.

Practice 4: Eliminate the Explanatory Style That Pessimists Use – Alternately, pessimists see trouble as permanent, personal (they blame themselves), and pervasive (they believe the trouble will invade all aspects of their life). Ironically, pessimists explain good fortune as external, temporary, and specific.

Ironically both groups are right. Our thoughts shape our experiences and literally create our current and future reality.
Read my next blog entry to learn Prickett’s four practices to negate negative thinking when it creeps in (as it does occasionally – even for the masters, I bet).