Change Your Perspective – See Life Differently
“Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars.”
– Frederick Langbridge, ‘A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts
What would you do if you came second in a contest you were in?
Would you study, practice and work for better results the next time, or would you feel discouraged and look for an excuse not to participate in the next challenge?
Throughout our lives, we have choices, you may choose to take the pessimistic view and live a self-defeated life, or you may decide to take the optimistic route and experience a challenging and fulfilling life.
Why nurture an optimist’s point of view?
Optimism has always been linked to having strong morale and a positive outlook toward work, sport and occupational success; to popularity; to good health and even a long life of freedom from anxiety and depression.
On the flip side, the rate of depression and pessimism has never been higher.
Moreover, it can affect anyone at any age; in fact, teenagers as young as thirteen are now diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders.
Optimists see things differently
Let’s look at the defining characteristics are of an optimist are.
Optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks in the world as the pessimist, but the difference is in the way they see these events.
Their perspective is different. For starters, optimists expect the best in everything.
They tend to see these misfortunes as temporary and confined to this one time only.
Optimists focus on a plan for dealing with these challenges.
People who are optimistic use what could be referred to as ‘positive reinterpretation’ meaning.
Positive and positive people reinterpret the negative experience in a way that helps them learn and add value to their growth.
Fe positive people are unmoved by bad situations, and by simply changing their perspective, they embrace it as a challenge to do better.
The optimist’s language is one of positive reinforcement and self-encouragement.
They tend to use phrases like, “what a great opportunity I have”, “what a great challenge”, “I can overcome”, “I’m confident in the process”, “I expect only the best”, and “this is a just a temporary setback, it’ll soon be over.”
Optimists are popular
Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness.
They do not need to control or manipulate others. On the contrary, they normally attract people to them.
Their optimistic view of life can become contagious and influence those around them.
They persevere, don’t give up easily, and are patient with the process of inching their way forward to achieve their goals.
Optimists live healthier longer lives
Medical research has shown that gratitude and a positive outlook in life can increase the body’s immune system making it more resilient to disease and sickness. The optimist’s health is normally good; they exercise regularly, eat healthy food and get plenty of sleep.
Optimists age well, are freer than most people from the usual ills of middle age and tend to outlive those prone to negative thinking.
So, why not be choose to be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled and healthier life.