BECOMING AN OPTIMIST

[CROWN COUNCIL]

Many people believe that your outlook or disposition, be it gloomy or sunny, is something you are born with. The experts say to some extent that is true, but often these tendencies are reinforced by mental habits. However, there is a way to train yourself to be an optimist.

In case you wonder if such a thing is worth being concerned about, the same experts have discovered that optimistic individuals have up to 50% less risk of having a first heart attack than their less optimistic piers.

So if that gives you an interest, here is how you can train yourself to be more optimistic:.

1. Think about the things that make you feel good. Maybe certain types of music give you a lift. Maybe working out or spending time with an optimist friend is enjoyable. Whatever it is, make an effort to include some of these things in your daily routine.

2. Jot down your positive experiences to remember and reinforce them.

3. Act like an optimist. Activate your muscles that are used for smiling. If that is challenging, put a pencil in your front teeth. This will help to boost your mood.

4. Do something new. Take a different route on your morning jog or enroute to work.

5. If you have a failure in your effort to reach a goal, look for the value of the experience and knowing something that doesn’t work and try again.

6. Review your list of positive experiences frequently.

7. Let go of things you can’t control and remember that it is more important to be happy than insisting on always being right.

Now that you have the formula, just think how happy you will be when you realize you have become a permanent optimist.