Why choose optimism?

Optimism is one of my values. For me it means looking for the good first, keeping an open mind and not leaping to negative conclusions or making assumptions. It’s about giving “good” a chance to show up. 

Now some may say that optimism can make you naïve or idealistic. I’d challenge that. For me, optimism isn’t fake positivity – it’s not saying that things are great when they’re not, or the belief that somehow things will magically become great. It’s recognizing things as they are now and responding wisely to that. It’s about being resilient and positive, while firmly grounded in reality. 

Optimism is recognizing that nothing is permanent and that the positive actions I take today will help shape the future for the better; for me and others. So, if times are hard, it helps me recognize that it will pass, and if times are great, I try and make sure I soak up every bit of enjoyment from it, in the knowledge that it will pass too. 

When you’re optimistic, you accept that you can’t control everything and know when and what to let go of. It’s accepting the things we can’t change and directing our efforts to what we can. 

In fact, you can choose optimism. And far from being naïve or unproven, there’s an abundance of scientific research that shows the transformative impact optimism has on so many areas of our lives. Here are just 4 reasons why you should choose optimism….

1. It makes you brave. If you’re optimistic you’re much more likely to take calculated risks.
2. It helps you live a longer and healthier life. Optimists tend to look after themselves better, which could be one of the reasons that they have lower rates of heart disease, depression, and chronic illness.
3. It builds resilience. Optimists deal better with uncertainty, change and difficulties and cope better with stress overall.
4. It improves connection. Optimists see the similarities between people and not the differences, so they are much more likely to build meaningful relationships and maintain and nurture the ones that bring them the most joy.