"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars."- Frederick Langbridge, A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts
If you’ve placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push for better results the next time, or will you be discouraged and find an excuse not to join again? In life, you are always faced with choices. You may opt to have a pessimistic view and live a self-defeated life, or you may decide to take the optimistic route and choose a challenging and fulfilling life.
So why nurture an optimistic point of view? And why now? Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success, to popularity, to good health and even a long life and freedom from trauma. On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewives disorder, but also a teenager’s disorder. Here is how optimists are taking action and research that backs up why it really pays to be an optimist.
The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault. The truth is, optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune. It is the opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case. Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they will likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation; they perceive it is a challenge and try harder. They won’t say that things will never get better, or, “If I failed once, it will happen again,” or, “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.” Positive expectancies of optimists also help them to predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies, and unlikely turns of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles. Optimists expect the best.
Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them, because their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influential. Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities; those who share optimism are generally accepted, while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably. In life, these people are more likely to win elections, be sought after for advice, and have a healthy social life.
Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise. They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream. When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher.
Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease. An optimist’s health is unusually good when compared to the average person. They age well, free from the usual physical ills that affect middle-aged adults. Additionally, they are found to outlive those prone to negative thoughts. Optimists are healthier and live longer.
So, why not be an optimist today, and think positively towards a more fulfilled life? Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else, you are bound to hit lows sometimes, but you don’t have to stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and do what you can to improve your chances of getting back on the right track. Why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?
10-10-2011 Articles on smoking this month
22-07-2011 Team on vacation! No postings!
20-06-2011 How To Live A Healthy Life goes Social Media!
Smoking and Cancers Scientific research is constantly providing new evidence about the harmful effects of smoking...read more...
