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PrintWhy An Optimistic Outlook Will Make You Healthy,
Wealthy and More Popular!
You would think that headline is too big a claim to back up. Think
again...
Optimism is a neglected topic. Since the advent of positive thinking,
it has taken a back seat in personal development and therapy circles.
But optimism is different to positive thinking, and what's more,
learning how to do it buffers you against depression and anxiety
and, unbelievably, makes you more likely to succeed in your chosen
pursuits.
The trouble with optimism is that it is seen as something unchangeable.
People tend to see themselves as either 'an optimist' or 'a pessimist',
and these two extremes leave no room for anything in between.
In reality, you are an optimist to a degree, and this degree changes
in different situations. What's more, you can deliberately alter
the way you think to increase your optimism quotient. But why should
you?
The Benefits of Optimism
In one study of elderly people, their perception of their own health
was found to be more important in longevity than their actual health.
This article (PDF document) cites research that shows:
i) the immune systems of pessimists function less well than those
of optimists
ii) optimists have greater life expectancy than pessimists.
And if that's not enough for you, how about this:
People like optimists more than they do pessimists.
How do we know that? Well aside from common sense that says we like
to be around people that make us feel good - (your friend telling
you "Everything's ruined and it's going to get worse"
doesn't usually improve your day!) - here's an astounding bit of
research...
In his book 'Learned Optimism', Martin Seligman talks about the
research he and his team did into the optimism levels of American
Presidents. 27 out of 29 winners of the presidential race were graded
as more optimistic than their unsuccessful running opponent. I think
we need say no more.
And on the subject of money, success and all that, consider these
quotations:
"Success is 99% failure"
Soichiro Honda
"Genius is one percent inspiration, and ninety-nine percent
perspiration."
Thomas Alva Edison
Pessimists give up more easily than optimists - after all, what's
the point continuing with something if you think it will fail? Strong
optimists press on and on, until they arrive at the place they 'knew'
they would reach eventually - success. Or die trying.
Next, Optimism
