How to Be an Incurable Optimist

Is optimism genetic or can you learn to be optimistic? The jury may still be out, however, researchers have shown that its very likely a combination of both nature and nuture. Having just watched the show Looking Up: An Incurable Optimist featuring Michael J. Fox and also having read several books about happiness, I find this subject fascinating. One person on the show said that optimists and pessimists think differently. Optimists seem to live more in the present and take things as they come, whereas pessimists plan for possible negative future outcomes so that they can mitigate them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. You can check this out for yourself by thinking about those people in your life who tend to be optimistic. Do they live more in the present? Do they worry less? And is the opposite true for your friends who are pessimists? I'm sure you will find this theory is true.

2. According to researchers 60% of our happiness or optimism is inherited. Which is a good thing because that means that 40% is under our control. So even if you were born as a pessimist or someone who tends to worry a lot and not be very happy there are steps you can take to improve your optimism quotient.

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   One way to become more optimistic is to meditate. Recently I was in a Women's Spirituality Group. No matter what topic we chose we always ended up talking about "Living In the Moment". That seems to be the main message that buddhist traditions teach and the purpose of meditation. According to Eckhart Tolle, you can't be unhappy if you are truly living in the moment.

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   Volunteer or simply do something nice for someone that they aren't expecting. This will make you feel good, happier, and more optimistic.

5. Go on a media diet. There is a lot of negative news out there. Watching or listening to news on a daily basis get you down if you tend to be a pessimist.

6. Research has also shown that if you write down three things you are grateful for before you go to bed you will increase your happiness and optimism.

Tips & Warnings

• Meditation takes years of practice; no one can always live in the moment but you can try to do this by doing one thing at a time. For example, when you eat just eat, don't watch TV or read. Focus on and savor every bite and see if you aren't calmer and happier.

Resources

• Always Looking Up: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

[ramblin62]

on 8/26/2009 Great article about how to be an incurable optimist. I really like the ideas to have a media diet and to write down 3 things you're grateful for each night. TX!

[melissalewis]

on 7/29/2009 Lovely article! I prefer a half-full glass, myself... but I haven't been diagnosed as incurable.

[mheidi]

on 7/13/2009 good ideas ^^

[Marilynda]

on 6/3/2009 I like to say I'm an optimist but sometimes it's hard. You offer some really good tips on being an incurable optimist. 5*

[Mitestarossa]

on 5/16/2009 That's me.