A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
?Winston Churchill
This post has moved to HERE:
Be a Little More Optimistic: 6 Things Optimists Do Differently
Photo by: Daniel Lugo
Practical Tips for Productive Living
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
?Winston Churchill
This post has moved to HERE:
Photo by: Daniel Lugo
Dev says
Excellent post!
Braja Patnaik says
Thanks.
Grace says
Do what you can with what you have.
bleu says
Inspiring! I really like this post. It came at a perfect time for me.
igor Griffiths says
Well hello Marc, since learning the true definition of abundance which is being grateful for your current situation and protecting that as you seek to move forwards, I love the phrase “it could be worse.”
Now I know it sounds pessimistic but its a great way to stop negative thinking in its tracks and focus on the incredible fortune you have in your life at the moment.
You may not have all that you desire but there are many who would love to be as unlucky as you!
Jennifer Mulder says
Great in-depth advice on being optimistic! To me, optimism is purposely chosing a helpful perception – from reframing a stressful situation to a challenge, or focusing on what you do have instead of what you don’t. I love how you write that optimists aren’t blind for the realities in life – such an important distinction. Thank you for sharing Marc!
Lori Anne says
thanks.
Cornelius says
I listen to my favorite songs and this never fails to put a smile on my face and change my perspective for the better. 🙂
Fernando Tremonti says
Greetings from Brazil! I loved this post. It lifted my spirits. Hugs.
Brennan says
Thank you for this (and all the other posts)
It helps to remind and enlighten me about specific truths.
I dig you guys.
Patti says
After reading this post I’m in need of therapy! This is the FIRST time the difference between and idealist and an optimist has finally sunk into my understanding and the analogy was critical to my seeing what it is that seems to get in my way.
What does boost my optimism? Swimming, running, yoga, taking action, reading inspirational books, prayer, travel.
Lexie Lee, LPC-S says
Great Post. I also try to live in the present. I make plans and goals for the future, but my focus is on today. What am I doing today that will make that difficulty or thing I want to change better?
Amber says
Helping others, donating my time or material things and just being kind to others makes me feel more optimistic.
Julia SB says
Another great post. The thing that revives me more than anything is to sit on the rocks at Lake Michigan; doesn’t matter at what point, just to be next to the lake and breathe in that fresh air. This is whether it’s from the 1st snowfall of the season, or if it’s 90 degrees in the shade!
Eileen says
The smile thing really works. Thanks for all of it.
margaret w says
Being by the sea, looking at a beautiful sky, swimming, laughing with friends and a good meal. Do the things that mean the most to you x
Melanie says
I love the section about happiness not beging tied to achievement. I live in a valley of super achievers and work with children. Many families see their children’s self-esteem based on their achievements. As a ballet teacher, I am working on helping the kids learn to love what they do (no matter if it’s ballet or something else) regardless of the achievements. Thank you for this reminder.
Balaji says
It reminds me an old proverb, “Everything happens for a reason” by reading this article on optimists.
Emily says
I second the comment about a good read!
I especially like the suggestions about self-talk and framing setbacks in temporary terms. These ideas harmonize nicely with Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset. In the book, Dweck discusses 2 attitudes: a fixed mindset that sees life as an uphill struggle against “fate” or “the universe,” and a growth mindset that embraces challenge and the capacity for change.
I also appreciate your designation that optimism isn’t naive. This is a myth that I often have to fight in my own mind.
Lee says
This is truly perfect. This describes me pretty much “to a T.” It’s funny though… I used to call myself an “optimist” until I thought that meant that I had to always be happy all the time, so I switched to “positive realist.” It is nice to know that those two are actually the same thing =)
Jacob says
SOCCER!!! Soccer makes me feel better 🙂
Amandah says
I’ll add “have an attitude of gratitude.” I know it’s a topic that is written about over and over again, but it’s a good reminder to be grateful for you have right now.
Being in nature makes me feel better. This can be a challenge if you live in an area that doesn’t receive a lot of sunshine. Of course, you can always put on your ‘rain or winter’ gear and head outside.
Reading good self-help books boost my optimism too. And…I’ll watch Oprah’s Life Class once in a while too.
Sandra Hamlett says
Physical activity and especially getting outdoors always makes me see the great side of life.
Also having the moment to awake in a quiet house before everyone else rises to meditate and just daydream a little has amazing powers.
Susanna Halonen says
Great post!
Optimism has endless benefits including taking a proactive approach to challenges, dealing better with stressful situations and healthier stronger immune systems. So what’s there not to like?
I converted into an optimist with the help of these simple steps and repeated them endlessly until they became a positive habit.
David Rapp says
I love the defintions and illustrations of being an optimist versus an idealist. Really helped clarify that for me. It also helped me frame the difference between a pessimist and a realist a little better.
I read once that “you will always find what you are looking for.” If its positive things, you will always find them. The same for negative things.
In that way your choice to see things as negative, positive or neutrally pre-determines the reality created by your own vision. Its the ultimate, totally silent, always dilligent, self-fufilling prophecy.
Dr. Wayne Dyer wrote “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
The glass is not half empty or half full, its both. Let’s open another bottle and remedy the situation!
Cheers!
Mike Martel says
Great post and suggestions.
I use visualization of what makes me happy to change my mood. For example, I might have just had a bad experience with a store clerk. Instead of having an inner dialogue about what I could/should have done, I will think about a nice dinner with my wife, a pleasant experience that I like to do, etc. This shifts my mood and moves me away from negativity.
Cat says
As someone who has suffered from severe episodes of depression for most of my life, I have finally begun to challenge my thinking in small ways that help. Yesterday it occurred to me to keep asking myself, “What else is possible?” There is no doubt that depression has kicked my butt and robbed me of vital energy at times in spite of positive thinking and action. But even when in a clinical bout of depression, I can ask myself, “What else is possible?” in terms of finding help or just relief on some other level for the day. If things are going better mood wise and I still find myself thinking the glass may be half full, I remind myself of all the possibilities there are in life in spite of the appearances to the contrary (which are usually appearances only in my mind or the collective tribal mind around me.) This at least gets me thinking on a totally new trajectory. Infinite possibilities is my mantra lately.
Sara Hawerlander says
Excellent post! I’ve always felt I’m an optimist, and this post reaffirms it. I would add willingness to learn and can do attitude. Meaning, if accomplishing something means learning how to do something I’ve never done before, I simply learn how to do it. Others I know are more likely to assume they won’t be any good at the new thing and then abandon the whole idea before even trying.
Jantje says
The discussions between a pessimist and an optimist can last for hours and hours, frustrating, especially if you call yourself the optimist! The big question I have is whether one person can be both depending on the situation and topic, or do we adapt certain thoughts, beliefs and behaviors to be one or the other?
Ivan says
Optimists sometimes get a bad rep for being too “Pollyanna” or “idealistic”. But as you’ve pointed out, Marc, optimists are simply people who are positive about their lives while still being realistic about what could and couldn’t happen.
I think optimists tend to be happier and healthier because they create and follow good habits.
For example, a pessimist might say: “If I go out on a limb to befriend someone, I may get hurt. So maybe I shouldn’t try as hard.”
But an optimist might say: “There’s no telling who might become a lifelong friend. So I should be consistent and treat everyone well.”
Both the optimist and the pessimist could meet the exact same person, but they will have two totally different interactions with this new person.
Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if the optimist ends the day with a new friend. All it takes is to establish good habits (e.g. treat people well), follow them, and your life will more likely than not become happier.
alistair says
Life is simple for the most part. If you look up, you go up. If you look down, you go down!
Jaen says
I like to leave others with a smile. It’s free, it’s contagious and it always gives me a boost.
rachid says
– Reading your articles.
– Playing and watching soccer games.
– Hang out with my friends.
Thank you so much for this amazing article.
DW says
Marc, beautiful clarification on an optimist being a positive realist. As usual, an important post.
@Cat; Have you read “The Feeling Good Book” by Dr. David Burns? This is on Cognitive Behavior Therapy, the proven most lasting method to beat depression. If not, maybe you might find a therapist who is schooled in CBT to help you.
My sources for unfailing optimism: The silent pre-dawn air, reflection, writing, good strong coffee, a thorough at-home workout. Breathing in the snowy winter mornings and fragrant summer rains.
Ernest Dempsey says
Great article. I especially love what you said in #2, and it really goes hand in hand with the point made in #3.
We compare ourselves to others and lose that magical sense of self from our childhood. Often, that ties in to external achievements, like the ones you mentioned concerning weight loss, finances, and others.
I also have to say that #4 was something that changed my life. When I stopped hanging around negative people was when things started going better for and also when I started appreciating the great stuff going on in my life.
Thanks again for the article. 🙂
Andrea says
In the midst of “Learned Optimism” right now…
Thank for the post!
DD says
I like this post. It cleared a few things up for me. I now realize I was either an idealist or pessimist from time to time. I regarded my idealism as being my best state, although I may have appeared ‘happy’ to most people, I knew by my heart that I wasn’t. Thank you for your post, it makes me realize that I have huge trouble accepting downs in life; when I did force myself to accept them, I turned into a pessimist. Learning to be the optimist that I’ve always wanted to be, I will be following your suggestions here. Thanks again.
Sara says
I am most of these 6 things, but not all of them. Does that still make me an optimist? (I struggle with #3 mostly, and just a little with #5 and #6). Your thoughts?
Shea says
Wow. Happiness not tied to achievement. You mean I can just be happy now, with what I have? Such a great thought. I can strive and work toward my goals without feeling like my happiness should be suspended until they are achieved? Wow. THANKS.
Oh, saying something nice to someone. I really try to pay every compliment that sincerely comes to mind. It’s good for everyone. Smiling ensues.
Nell says
I definitely relate to what D D and Shea said. I have just been put on “mild” antidepressants. My first day and was glad I was at work, having the support of my wonderful colleagues(as my partner works away this really heaps).
I loved this post and get a lot for this site. Starting counseling next week and thinking that the cbt maybe a really great option. Just love the feedback to the posts as well – stops feeling that I am all alone in my recovering. Can’t thank you all enough xox
Susan says
Another lovely, re-minding, encouraging post !
And sure, like all others, have a positive domino-effect as, like I do, no doubt others do too, i.e. pass on….Thank you for your wonderful, generous gift to humanity !
Steven says
Two things that make me optimistic are nice weather and running. But anyway, a few of my friends have lately spiraled into a funk. I tried to explain to them that they can CHOSE to be happier, but it’s hard to put into words. I will definitely share this post with them – I think it will help!
Shirley Ryan says
Thinking about my animals and spending time with them. All six of them, brings happiness to me. If I am having a hard day at work and it is exhausting on me. I take a few minutes to remember that lovely trail ride or gallop in the field on my horse or that lovely walk with my dog in the woods on the trails off leash with the dog totally choosing to want to be with me. That is enough to put refreshed wind in my sails and begin the rest of my day with a fresh new positive beginning.
kathy h says
More therapy for me and I am loving your website! Angel, your aunt from mass told me about your site last month and I have visited ot every day since! She is very proud of you and your husband’s accomplishments and I am too. Keep up the great work, it helps me!
Greg says
Agree with many of the above suggestions and I’ll add:
-Healthy eating – no soda was huge for me.
-Getting proper sleep – my biggest challenge as I have sleep apnea and awaken tired and irritable often for no reason other than not well rested.
-Exercise with a trainer and purpose has helped as well .
-Two or three uplifting friends who are in your corner are the icing on the cake!
[email protected] says
Number 3 is fascinating–never thought about it in this way before. Thanks for your insight!
Masudul says
I actually didn’t comment at first. But then hey, I saw something great – FEEDBURNERS!
Congrats on reaching 100K readers! Marc and Angel, keep going! And of course, great post as usual! 🙂
Rachelle Girardin says
As you mentioned, seeing the bigger picture always puts me at ease and maintains my optimism.
– A peppy electronic beat always makes me feel better.
– Taking a deep breath
– Being in nature, this is a big one for me. The second I step into the forest I feel so content and alive. My worries subside and I reconnect with what I believe to be the real purpose of life…enjoyments of the elements of the earth and being happy with the person you are.
Thanks for the great post.
Alex says
Hrm.. No.3 is something different from my thinking, as I always link every tiny & big achievement of mine to happiness, as that keeps me moving and seeking out more in myself.
Though, thanks for the sharing, seems that I have to tweak my mindset to – be happy with everything I got + I achieve. 🙂
nabil abou moussa says
Marc and Angel!
You are the most wonderful gift for today’s humanity, you inspired me amazingly and you keep on inspiring with no limits, i just can’t have enough words to thank you for you wonderful website, keep up the great work and may the Almighty bless you and protect you for the rest of your lives.
Thank you so much.