"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars."- Frederick Langbridge, A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts
So why nurture an optimist’s point of view? And why not?
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 long life and freedom from unnecessary trauma have been attributed to optimism.
On the other hand, depression associated with pessimism has never been higher. Depression affects middle-aged adults the same way it affects younger people. The mean age for the onset of depression has gone from age 30 to as young as age 15, in some cases. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife’s disorder but also the beginning of a downward spiral for today's teenager’s.
Here’s a look at some optimistic perspectives and their pessimistic counterparts in action, and why it could really pay to be an optimist:
Optimists expect the best.
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 each explains their misfortune. That is to say they see things as complete opposites. Optimists 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 most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unphased by a bad situation, they perceive it as a challenge and try harder.
Optimists typically won’t say “things will never get better,” “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 predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies, or an unlikely turn of events. If an optimist falls, they will stand up. Where pessimists see obstacles, optimists see opportunities.
People respond positively to optimists.
Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their own happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.
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 often win elections; get voted most congenial and are sought after for advice.
When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher.
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 these events exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.
Optimists persevere.
They just don’t give up easily. Optimists are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.
Optimists are healthier and live longer.
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 optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ails of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts.
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 don’t just stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And why not inspire others to have hope; for there is always another, brighter, better tomorrow?
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe... it can achieve." ~ Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich.
