Creating Optimism

Fact: children are naturally optimistic.

We naturally become more “realistic” as we get older till we get to a natural balance.

We live in a pessimistic society—bad news sells and advertisers have found that they can use people’s fear—particularly of ostracism—to sell products

Steps to become more optimistic:

1. Surround yourself with optimistic people
2. Insist on praise both for what you do well and for who you are. praise for what you  do well gives you a sense of competence and self-esteem which are necessary for happiness
3. Call all criticism. Criticism is always about power and powerlessness leads to depression and pessimism
4. Take time to explore your own spirituality. Studies show that people with a firm sense of spirituality are far more optimistic.
5. Take time to make regular contact with nature - a twenty minute walk in the park, or even petting a dog or stroking a cat can make you less pessimistic
6. Don’t watch depressing TV shows, or reality shows where people get ostracized.
7. Take part in regular exercise, especially walking
8. Keep a record of all the good things that have happened to you each day