"Two men look out
through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars."- Frederick
Langbridge, A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts
If you’ve placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push
for better results the next time or will you be discouraged and find an
excuse not to join again?
In life, you are always filled with choices. You may opt to have a
pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the
optimist’s route and take a challenging and fulfilling life.
So why nurture an optimist’s point of view? And why now?
Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to
academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to
popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.
On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been
higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people.
The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged
housewife’s disorder but also a teen-ager’s disorder’ as well.
Here’s how optimists are in action and researches that back up why it really
pays to be an optimist:
Optimists expect the best
The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad
events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are
their own fault.
The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this
world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune---it’s the
opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that
its causes are confined to this one case.
Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use
'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a
negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are
unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder.
They won’t say “things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will
happen again” and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then
it will happen in my whole life.”
Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during
transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of
events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of
obstacles.
People respond positively to optimists
Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness.
They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people
towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and
influence those they are with.
Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who
share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic
and hysteria are treated unfavorably.
In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and
sought for advice.
When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher
Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during
times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast,
pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they
exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to
quit trying when difficulties arise.
They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for
their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive
dream.
Optimists are healthier and live longer
Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook
can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease.
Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most
people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive
those prone to negative thoughts.
So why not be an optimist today? Think positively towards a more
fulfilled life.
Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient?
Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don’t just stay
there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting
back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their
dark-colored glasses and see life on the bright side?
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