|
RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE...
How can I be more optimistic in my
business and personal life?
Our attitudes affect our lives in so many ways. We have all heard about
those who view the glass “half empty” or “half full”. There are some people
who are even glad to have a glass at all! We do have the ability to change
our attitudes, by changing the way we talk to ourselves when faced with
setbacks or adversity. The Dictionary defines optimism as having
“hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of
something; a tendency to take a favourable or hopeful view.” So optimists
can look on the bright side and choose to see the silver lining in all
things. Pessimism is often the cause of depression and pessimists are more
likely to develop chronic illnesses later on in life. However, by changing
how we think. We change how we feel.
Children ask “Why?” a lot, and listen to the explanations of adults in their
lives, especially from their mother. If the mother’s view is negative, the
child hears and internalizes this. Psychologists recognize that this ability
to be optimistic is largely a learned trait. The good news is that you too
can now learn to cultivate a more optimistic attitude with the help of some
of the following suggestions:
Challenge your negative thoughts. Consider if there was a better and
healthier way to look at a situation, what might that look like? Choose to
look for the silver lining and you will see that it is there. If you just
change your perspective, you may see that light at the end of the tunnel. Be
the change you want to see in the world. Just like the Gandhi quote says,
“act the way you want to be, and choose not to spend time around negative
people.” Misery likes company and soon you can find yourself joining others
in that misery. Surround yourself with other optimistic and more positive
people that way you can change your behaviour and then fake it until you
make it.
Imagine a more positive outcome. Visual imagery is the language of the
brain, so give your mind a clear picture of how you would like things to be.
Optimists picture themselves accomplishing their goals. These positive
pictures in the mind assist them in accomplishing what they want. Rather
than stewing about what is happening to you, start to think about what you
can do to make things happen. If you’re not happy with the way your life is
now, set goals to make changes and take action. You have the ability to
learn and implement these ideas just as much as anyone else.
For more help on creating more positive self-talk permanently, contact
Claire Bramham, Clinical Hypnotherapist at Mind & Body Therapy at
403.397.0011 or visit
www.mindandbodytherapy.ca
|
