Are you optimistic why

There are a number of key characteristics that optimists tend to share. Some signs that you tend to be optimistic:. There are many factors that influence optimism, but whether you tend to be more of an optimist or more of a pessimist can often be explained by how you explain the events of your life.

Hosted by Editor-in-Chief and therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast , featuring legendary composer and talk show host John Tesh, shares how to motivate yourself when you're struggling, how to use visualization in a helpful way, and the one kind of list everyone should create for themselves. Click below to listen now. Explanatory style or attributional style refers to how people explain the events of their lives.

There are three facets of how people can explain a situation. This can influence whether they lean toward being optimists or pessimists:. Instead, we tend to attribute the events in our lives either optimistically or pessimistically. Optimists explain positive events as having happened because of their own actions or characteristics internal. They also see them as evidence that more positive things will happen in the future stable and in other areas of their lives global.

Conversely, they see negative events as not being their fault external. They also see them as being flukes isolated that have nothing to do with other areas of their lives or future events local.

Pessimists think in the opposite way. They believe that negative events are caused by their own mistakes or traits internal. They believe that one mistake means more will come stable , and mistakes in other areas of life are inevitable global because they are the cause. Being passed over for a promotion would probably be explained as not being skilled enough. They would, therefore, expect to be passed over again. Negative events are more likely to roll off of your back while positive events affirm your belief in yourself, your ability to make good things happen now and in the future, and in the goodness of life.

While you might tend to have either an optimistic or pessimistic explanatory style, there are things that you can do the help cultivate a more optimistic attitude. These include:. It is also possible to develop learned optimism. Pessimists can essentially learn to be optimists by thinking about their reactions to adversity in a new way and consciously challenge negative self-talk.

Using a practice called cognitive restructuring , you can help yourself and others become more optimistic by consciously challenging negative, self-limiting thinking and replacing it with more optimistic thought patterns. The process of cognitive restructuring involves a few different steps:.

There has been a great deal of research on optimists and pessimists. There are always stories, buried among the negative cycles of real people going above and beyond for their friends, family, colleagues and complete strangers in an attempt to make the world a better place. These "heroes" often go unsung, but collectively do more for my optimism and ability to cope through crises better than anything else. I like to draw from their strength and project it into my leadership of my company and general mindset every day.

It works. I have control over the direction of most aspects of my life and I have enough money to be able to live a comfortable life. I have dealt with many crises in my life, I know I am a survivor.

I have deep faith that we have a purpose and direction in life. He taught me to appreciate nature and the cycle of life. I also received a spiritual message that he would die in a month. Every moment is a gift. I have faith that there is a reason for everything and that each experience is a learning opportunity.

I have glass half full attitude and believe that in the long run things will work out. Ones mindset and attitudes become self for filling.

Positive things can be found in the most negative time, one just has to look. I have good health, a home, money in the bank and live in Australia. I have great faith that humanity will adjust to being more grounded and manage its own expectations. It will be less driven by greed and measure success by happiness.

I have recovered from two, not one life threatening illnesses. I have seen and lived the opposite. I have seen others lose hope and that is not how we should live. I believe that all life strives to growth. I have so much to be grateful for. A wonderful family. Good health. Debt free. I have some influence on my destiny and can choose courses of action that lead to better results.

Also, I believe that hard work, diligence, loyalty and a strong moral code are likely to be rewarded in life. Finally, I'm realistic in my expectations of others and don't always expect perfection - and therefore I don't feel that let down when this isn't achieved. I have some many more things to learn, to do and to see. I have survived cancer twice, so I realise that life is short and we need to make the most of the time we have.

I have this constant believe that as a person I have hope in the future and hope as a society. While there are always things that might not be perfect I believe we are constantly evolving and moving forward. I have to believe that it will work out in the end, otherwise, I see no point in working and striving so hard.

I have worked in different countries as a health professional and irrespective of the status of people, health is given the utmost priority. The expenditure on health should be the foremost priority of a Nation. This has not been the case in India and I am sure COVID has given a window of opportunity to work on this and I am sure this with the help of like-minded organisations will be fruitful. The sheer population and the extreme difference in socioeconomic status of people and communities has given the decision makers a better chance to help the health care situation here in India.

I hold a core belief in the ingenuity of human beings. I hope for a better future that is achievable and worth working hard for collectively. I hope that we have all had an opportunity to reflect on priorities and values and put into perspective what is important. I just am an optimistic person - I always expect the best and even when it doesn't arrive I just simply believe that better times will come - they always do.

I just tend to see things as being okay or that I will be able to work through things and it will all work out in the end. I know everything happens for a reason and have learned to look for the lesson in every negative situation that I cannot improve myself.

I also use a lot of things that I experience and see in the world in my work; both good and bad. I know I am not in control of most things so I just go with what the world serves up. I also believe that I am resilient and can cope with whatever life throws my way. I know there is so much opportunity and I have the skills, experience and desire to explore those options.

There is always another way. I know things will be ok. Privilege and self-belief. I like to laugh and make others laugh. I prefer to be creative and have fun rather than be bogged down in worry thoughts. Not always successful in the latter but working on it! I have always been interested in people - the more diverse the better! Believe we are all one big human family and deserving of love.

I like to look at, and for, the opportunities on everything I do. I like to think positively always as the alternative is not a good state of mind. I look at adversity as a tool to build muscles and balance in courage acts to grow through circumstances. I look at my children and am filled with optimism. My children's generation is going to move society forward in amazing ways. I look at the emerging opportunities created by the pandemic and how business met the challenge.

This fills me with great confidence about the future. I look at advances in technology with amazement. I look for the good in people, trust and look for the upside in a situation. I look for the positive in all life situations, I am always a 'glass half full' kind of person and look to the future with hope and positivity.

I look for the positive in situations and people. I look for the positive. I try and find good in people and events. I believe that a positive attitude and engagement even when you are not feeling this way manifests itself.

I look for the silver lining in everything. I love learning new things - life is an adventure. I love-clever inventions, insightful commentary, achieving advances in business and life in general and clever humour especially with friends. I own a business. Without optimism there is nothing. I prefer to look at solutions, not just problems.

I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I see a lot of possibilities even if the old is taken apart. I see every day as a blessing and expect good opportunities. I see lots of people shedding old beliefs and gaining a greater insight into what we are here to achieve on this planet.

I see many positive things happening every day at a community and individual level and it reminds me that good people outweighs disruptive ones. Sure, humans gunk up the works sometimes, but with a bigger perspective, everything is great! I see opportunity in challenging times or events. I see opportunity in most things - ideas, events, people etc. Life is generally good. I see the glass as half full and I find happiness in myself and the small things.

Even though I have faced many challenges in my life, my optimism helps me stay centred and resilient. I see the good things even in the challenges. There is so much to be grateful for. I see the opportunity in our current COVID situation, a change for society to take a breath and consider if our current idea of "norm" was really what we wanted our life to be.

I tend to believe that humankind improves over time, despite regressive areas. Our intrinsic inventiveness to find better ways to live and to do things right leads to an improved outcome. I tend to see the best in people. Importantly, I'm a realist and can name things as they are. I believe that it's detrimental to others who are having a tough time to tell them to buck up and look in the bright side.

This is not being optimistic it's being dismissive of the persons reality. I think I naturally see that despite all obstacles and setbacks, there is something to be hopeful about and look forward to. I think I try being grateful and have hope that things can work out for the better in most situations. I think it is in my nature to be optimistic, I also see lots of good in life and in people. I had a very good upbringing with loving parents and this helps me to have an expectation that good things will happen.

I think it is my natural disposition as I have always looked for the silver lining in any given situation. I think it is that you know there are more good people out there than not, and that mostly we are working to improving our lot overall. There will always be politics and people on the fringe, but by and large most people are good.

I think my attitude to problems as opportunities. I think optimism is being positive and always looking for the 'silver lining'. Trying to live in the moment and not get too far ahead of myself, thereby getting anxious about things I can't quite control and also not looking too far back into the past as I can't change what has happened, so try and live for now and appreciate all the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.

I think people are now focused on themselves and their families instead of more external goals. I think we are moving into a more enlightened age at a faster rate than before, one where people might make better choices on all levels.

I think you can get through most things and calmness to manage anxiety can help get through things. Or learn the lesson that a particular unpleasant situation has given me. I try to look at positives. I trust the universe. And experience tells me that what is meant to be, is.

I try to make the most of what comes my way and to help others around me to do the same. I usually look at the bright side of life. I usually tend to focus on what are the good things around me, instead of the bad things.

I know that everything passes, so at the end everything will be fine. I wake up and see a new morning, I live in Australia which is generally free, safe and affluent. I want to have hope that things will get better. I want to look at the positives and not negatives.

Over time my experience has taught me this makes you a more resilient leader and helps others to stay focussed on the bigger picture. I live and breathe using a Growth Mindset and that anyone can and should learn from their experiences. I was born this way, my life experience and my faith.

I was once told I wore rose coloured glasses so I took them off - the world changed instantly with an uncomfortable feel - I promptly put them back on and this time I changed them for sunglasses. What makes me optimistic? Keeping my sunglasses on, I make sure the world looks a lot brighter.

I work at it. I believe in it. I make it happen. I worry, but things usually work out in the end. I'm a realist about the here and now, so we can make the most of any situation. I'm an optimist about the future because I believe we can create a better world and better life for ourselves. I'm always thinking about the benefits of situations no matter how dark or problematic. There's always something to learn about yourself, others or the situation that is a win for the future.

I've always used these insights to keep pushing through any challenges and making the best of situations rather than spiral into a hole like I've seen others do. I'm an 'unrealistic' optimist - as frankly, the earth is 'going to hell in a handbasket'. I'm hoping for divine intervention!

I'm generally hopeful that things will improve. I'm generally optimistic and also aware that I have to take responsibility. I'm hopeful and resilient - looking forward even when things haven't been going so well. I'm hopeful that things can get better, I believe in human kindness and acknowledge what I can't control and what I can i. I'm not sure I can answer that question. I remain as positive and as confident as circumstances allow. I deliver the best possible service I can to my clients but I am hostage to the vagaries of the market.

I've come to expect and live with volatility. I'm not sure. I guess that I always look for the upside in people and situations. I'm truly optimistic that this challenge will lead to us shedding some old ways of doing things that should have been stopped years ago, I am truly optimistic that with this proof that we can act quickly and implement evidence-based approaches that the nihilism that things can't change quickly is firmly knocked on the head I've always been an optimist, and still think my best years are ahead of me.

I am optimistic about how things will turn out with things I can control. I'm unsure about the things I can't control. I've always been naturally optimistic. I've always seen the bright side of life and have worked towards improving my lot in life.

I've experienced times of personal hardship but have always looked for solutions - and have mostly found them. I think optimism is innate in those who are and there are others who are naturally pessimistic. I've encountered both and I gravitate to those who are optimists. I've always had a positive mindset even in the most difficult of times.

Supporting others is something I love doing and my positive nature rubs off onto other people. Things are never as bad as they seem so continue to work through them and obtain support as needed. I've always thought my best days were ahead, not behind. My religious philosophy is about eternal progression.

You create your own future and environment. Mine will be better. I've lived through 75 years of madness, badness, sadness and gladness, and survived. With all of that I believe I'll get to the end of my life's journey with determination, relaxation and eternal optimism.

I've faced numerous difficult situations and overcome them with family, friends and a can-do mindset. Knowing this I can meditate, face fear and be courageous enough to use obstacles as stepping stones to a positive place. I've never been a negative thinker. Good and bad things happen whether we're optimistic or not, may as we'll enjoy life's journey and its ups and downs. If I set a goal, I can generally achieve it. I see rainbows wherever I go.

This helps me in dark times understand that things will get better. If I have to think, what do I want my life to be, pleasant or unpleasant? I choose pleasant. So, when I think how I should think, positive or negative, the obvious answer is positive.

If you do what you are passionate about and work with good people, amazing things happen. If you put in the effort and use your intelligence, things will work out. If you put in the effort things always work out in the long run. If you stay positive good thing definitely happen to you.

Imagination, energy, creative mindset and making a difference. Important to getting anything done. Impossible for anyone to respond to this question with true knowledge.

Combination of nature and nurture is my guess. In Australia, we've learned so much from the evidence. In my mind, I know my potential and capabilities, so can find the positive, the potential and the good in most scenarios. If not, I can use difficult situations as challenges, learning opportunities and at worst, future stories. In terms of the pandemic the opportunity for businesses to use this time when they are forced to reduce their cost base to really consider what their core is and rebuild in the most effective way makes me hugely optimistic.

In the end we will get through it. It is about time! In the first 2 weeks in lockdown, I was in shock and denial. You can learn from the past but not live there. You can plan for the future but not live there either.

But living in the present means we can live optimistically and at peace. We know that nothing is forever and everything will change whether you want it to or not. But our resilience is what keeps us strong and provides us the optimism to get through anything! Individual efforts like yours, Victor Perton. Keep at it. Much thanks. Always been so. I can get a bit down over some things climate change but overall believe in human good and ingenuity.

Innovation, Imagination and Inspiration my PhD research topic. Interesting events happening and progress in our understanding on many issues. Intrinsically I seem more optimistic than pessimistic.

I have to, otherwise what is the point of living! The natural environment helps maintain optimism - the sun keeps rising, the trees keep growing, the flowers keep blooming regardless of what else is going on. Is there any other option if you wish for positive mental health? It has been my personal experience as well has the way my parents have brought me up, having a positive attitude and doing all the right things as far as possible ,will lead you in the right direction.

It may not be very obvious to others, but subconsciously you know what you wished and what Was the result. Think good for others good happens to you and the opposite is also true. This is absolutely magical. Since you know everybody knows that if you wish bad bad happens- please stop wishing bad to others.

Try for few days and experience the magic. It helps me deal with challenges. Also, I ask the question do aged people die from the virus or with it? It is good to be alive and appreciate the good things and good people who stand out as beacons against those who seek to tear down or denigrate our values. It is one of my top strengths. It is part of who I am now. I have practised it and it has become habitual. It is simply a better way to live. Not sure there really is a middle ground, one is either optimistic or pessimistic and if pessimistic it quickly raises the concern of what's the point?!

Any answer that is other than 'there is no point' is an inherently optimistic answer. It is very easy to descend down into fear, gloom and doom. But it is far more productive and frankly satisfying to way up the options then try and address the most optimistic way forward, without being naive. It seems to me that Victorians will be very keen to show the rest of Australia just what they are made up and strive to "outperform".

It will awaken many businesses from their slumber and ultimately lift productivity in Australian business. Both ending up reinforcing themselves, and optimism is the better option. It's actually an inner feeling that most of the time interacts with small external happenings.

It's far better than the alternative. Do what you can to move things forward. It's human nature to overcome obstacles and reach a good place. It's innate - I'm reasonably realistic but want to see positive outcomes from difficult situations. It's just a way of being. There is no benefit or upside to being pessimistic. Staying optimistic makes you happy and helps you identify novel solutions for making things better. It's just my nature.

I've overcome a lot of struggles, so I think that I am tenacious. The bad things: If you can avoid them - you d - so no longer a problem. I see people smiling and find myself doing the same why look for the bad when there is still so much good.

I rather see all the good and feel good myself. Rather give people the benefit of the doubt and maintain my happy disposition. Things always happen for a reason. Of course, I benefit from a great deal of privilege that makes it easier to be optimistic. Just always been that way. I always see upside in situations. Just always have been, I think enjoy finding solutions, so call it resourcefulness, knowing there will be paths forward. Just born that way and the alternative is too awful.

Just my personality and faith in myself and my abilities. Will it make a difference years from now? Just that Keep my options open. Things usually turn out okay. Negative thinking can help you move forward, as long as you don't get stuck focusing on what's wrong. If you tend toward mostly pessimistic thinking, you can get better at seeing what's good. Here are some things to try:. Optimism is a thinking style that can be learned, which means that pessimism can be unlearned!

It can take a little while, so don't feel discouraged. Becoming more aware of the two styles can gradually help you start noticing more ways to be optimistic. Just keep telling yourself, "I can be more optimistic and I'm going to keep practicing! Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. How's Your Day Going? Optimism vs. Pessimism Optimism and pessimism are mindsets — ways of thinking and seeing things. Page 3 Optimism Builds Resilience Optimism lets us see disappointing events as temporary situations that we can get past.

Realistic Optimism Optimism isn't about seeing everything as rosy. Is There a Place for Pessimism? Page 4 How to Be More Optimistic If you tend toward mostly pessimistic thinking, you can get better at seeing what's good. Here are some things to try: Notice good things as they happen. At the end of the day, take 10 minutes to run through your day and come up with things that you're grateful for.

Write them down in a journal or keep track using a motivational app on your phone or tablet. Train your mind to believe you can make good things happen in your life. Get in a habit of telling yourself specific things you can do to succeed. For example: "If I study, I can get a better grade. What does your inner voice say when things don't go as planned? Instead of thinking, "I failed that math test because I'm terrible at math," tell yourself: "I failed that test because I didn't study enough.

I won't let that happen next time! Think of what you did to make a good outcome possible. Did you prepare for the test?

We all have those friends who are chronic complainers or gossipers. After spending a few hours with them we find ourselves jumping on the Debby Downer bandwagon. Having a happy spouse, friend or neighbor who lives within a mile of you increases the probability that you will be happy as well. If you start connecting to people who are optimistic and grounded in life, you will start to be affected by their positive energy," says Ward. The more you spend time with negativity, the more negative you are bound to feel.

I typically recommend allowing yourself just enough time to learn the news, after which I suggest that you turn off the media and instead spend time doing activities that help maintain your health and a positive outlook. If you feel a need to process the current state of political or world affairs, you may want to consider having a healthy discussion about it with a friend or family member; this still allows you to absorb the information but can also offer you a good level of discourse and balanced views on the news.

Researchers define gratitude as the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself, or a general state of thankfulness — no doubt a mental state that fosters an optimistic outlook. But it can be easier said than done to remain grateful throughout day to-day stressors.

A smart way to ease into it is by journaling, a popular technique for cultivating gratitude that takes just minutes each day. At the end of each day, they will write down one or two things that they experienced or witnessed during the day that filled them with gratitude, says Iyer. This will allow you to focus on the positives of your day and cultivate an optimistic mindset, a perfect note on which to end your day. Writing down what you are grateful for is linked to greater feelings of optimism.

One study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that writing in a journal about what you are grateful for was linked to greater feelings of optimism, while another published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that keeping a journal in which you write down your own acts of kindness can also give you optimism a boost.

While you have your journal open, jot down some of your accomplishments as well.