Optimists seem happier, but why?
How?
What do they do differently?
Being an optimist can help a huge range of issues from managing stress to overcoming an illness and everything in between. It’s no wonder they are so happy. It may seem like luck, but there are a few things optimists do differently to create their happy attitudes, even in the midst of challenges.
Here’s a great list to help you get started . . .
6 Things Optimists do Differently
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
– Winston Churchill
1. Optimists let things go.
Optimists rarely over think events, situations, and people. They habitually let things go and put their time and focus on what matters most. Dwelling on the past and looking too far into something rarely brings a positive outcome. It usually brings negative assumptions and future pain and miscommunication.
TIP: When you feel the urge to look too deep into something, simply take a deep breath, tell yourself it doesn’t really matter and let it go. Move forward focusing on something more appealing to you.
2. Optimists embrace the roller coaster of life.
A misconception is that optimists have perfect, lucky lives and that’s why they are happy. On the contrary, optimists have ups and downs too. They are not immune to negativity, mistakes or challenges. Optimists have learned how to go with the flow and bounce back harder and faster from a defeat.
TIP: Next time a challenge arises and you are tempted to get upset and dwell with negative emotions, be open to finding the good in the situation. When you open yourself up and allow for a solution, one always arrives and at the perfect time. But the key is to believe, ask and await the solution. 😉
3. Optimists take chances.
Most people would take more chances if they didn’t have to fear or worry about the outcome. Optimists go with the flow and follow what feels good. They cast out worries and fears quickly. That’s not to say they don’t exists, but they release them as quickly as they arise because they understand that even if it doesn’t work out you can always learn from your mistakes.
TIP: Taking more chances can completely change your life. You no longer allow fear to hold you back from exploring what this beautiful planet and its people have to offer. Next time you want to do something but find a fear creeping up, cast it out by taking immediate action and just do it! 😉 You will feel so liberated!
4. Optimists are thankful (a lot!).
It’s very important to practice the power of being thankful. Typically, it’s very easy to focus on what is going wrong instead of what is going right. Research shows, again and again, that people who practice gratitude on a daily basis are healthier, happier, and more effective.
That’s why it’s an essential habit for optimists to practice daily. It’s like second nature to them, they live their life internally and verbally thanking others.
TIP: Throughout the day, intentionally look for things to be thankful for. If you really want to fully embrace this optimistic habit, create a list of five or ten things that you are grateful for and commit to that practice daily.
5. Optimists are flexible.
When plans change optimists are calm, cool and collected. They’re focus is . . . “What’s next?”
To an optimist, change of plans just means a change in an adventure. No matter where an optimist is, they will find a way to enjoy themselves. They take things as they come. For example, a canceled event due to bad weather would never be a “ruined day”. To an optimist, what’s meant to be will be.
TIP: Practicing staying open to new ideas. When plans change, consciously observe your behavior. If you find it difficult to stay cool, create a plan A, plan B or even plan c if you have to. 😉
6. Optimists smile and laugh often.
A positive attitude is contagious. To an optimist, nothing can truly ruin their day. They will always find something that will make them smile, laugh or give them hope. They understand that a negative attitude will just bring a negative whirlwind of issues with it for the future. Who wants that?
Optimists enjoy smiling and laughing often. It keeps the mood light and the vibrations high. Even if the optimist doesn’t have something cheery to celebrate themselves, they seek it out for other people. An optimist can be your best cheerleader. They can turn an average day into a celebration!
TIP: Find reasons to smile, even if it’s making another person’s day. Find reasons to laugh, even if it’s at your own mistakes. 🙂
Anyone can be an optimist. It just takes conscious practiced habits. For more tips and help along your positive thinking journey we recommend reading >>Learned Optimism and >>The Bounce Back Book.
