5 Tools to Develop an Optimistic Mindset
Big Optimism," or what psychologists call Dispositional Optimism, is the ability to expect more desirable outcomes than bad ones to occur in our future. Adding an optimistic mindset to your toolkit can dramatically improve your mental well-being.
Here are 5 Tactics to help develop personal resilience and tolerance via the skill of applied optimism. For more information and additional tactics, read the full article here: 10 Ways to Mental Resilience & Adaptability via Big Optimism
1 - Realize that you are responsible for your own happiness. Happiness comes from within. Yeah, that sounds cheesy, but consider this: how often do folks chase external things like accomplishments, material goods, etc., thinking, "When this happens, I'll be happy"?
2 - There's no better time than the present. Optimism starts by accepting what is, valuing what you have in the present moment, and realizing that you don't need to chase accomplishments, material possessions, or certain things to be happy.
3 - Try to focus all your energy on solving a problem instead of worrying about it. Look for minor ways to solve the challenge, using all your available options. If you fail, don't blame yourself. Instead, look for the issue that caused your failure, learn from it, and move on.
4 - Train yourself to see opportunities in difficulty. As the saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." This mindset is all about adopting the mental construct of ‘abundance’ versus ‘scarcity’.
5 - Don't waste your time trying to seek approval from others. Realize that you just can't please everyone. Not everyone will like you, and that's ok. People are generally caught up in their own "stuff."
If you experience constant intrusive negative thoughts or experience constant pessimism and want to challenge and change your mindset – take that important step and contact me to schedule a free 20 minute phone consultation below. Invest in the most valuable assets you possess; your mind and your mental health and your wellbeing.
Simon G. Niblock, MA, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, specializing in men’s mental health and wellness. He provides tailored psychotherapy services and online programs for men and is the author of the Anxiety Workbook for Men, Evidence-based Exercises to Manage Anxiety, Depression, and Worry.
Important Notice: The content in this article is for informational purposes only. It does not replace direct professional mental health, medical treatment, or professional care in any way. Seek the support of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider to diagnose and treat any mental health concern directly. Contact 911 or your local emergency services number if you are experiencing a mental health emergency.
