How to Be an Optimistic Person

Optimists see the glass as half full rather than half empty.

Optimists approach life with a confident "can do" attitude. As well as being happier and healthier, people with a positive mental attitude are more likely to succeed at their chosen goals than negative thinkers. Being an optimist is not about ignoring the difficulties of a situation or believing that success will come easily. Instead, optimists recognize obstacles and are prepared to put in the effort to overcome them. To become a more optimistic person requires regularly practicing positive self-talk.

Instructions

1. Notice how you respond to situations. If you are prone to negative thinking, you may approach every task expecting to fail; or you might filter out the positive aspects of every situation, or blame yourself for outcomes that are out of your control.

2. Practice countering your negative self-talk with positive alternatives. For example, if you tend to think "I've never done this before" when facing a unfamiliar and daunting task, try changing your approach to "It's an opportunity to learn something new." Your new point of view will seem strange and forced at first, but it will become more natural and automatic the more you persevere.

3. Believe that you will succeed, but accept it may take hard work. Support your new-found confidence with careful planning, persistence and the right strategies to achieve your goals. Optimists are prepared to bounce back from set backs and disappointments on the way to success.

4. Surround yourself with optimists. Notice how they behave and respond to situations, and try to act the same way. Being around positive people lifts your mood and helps you feel more positive.

5. Look after your physical well being. If you feel healthy, strong and full of energy, you are more likely to approach life with confidence and optimism. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet, spend time outdoors and get enough sleep. Do some form of cardiovascular exercise -- such as brisk walking, swimming or an aerobics class -- three times a week.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are prone to negative thinking, do not expect to become an optimist overnight. However, with regular and consistent practice, positive thinking will start to feel more natural.

References

• Huffington Post; How to Be an Optimist Without Being a Fool; Heidi Grant Halvorson, Ph.D.; May 2011
• Mayo Clinic; Positive thinking: Reduce stress by eliminating negative self-talk; Mayo Clinic staff