how to BECOME MORE OPTIMISTIC

Optimism is essential for achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress. 

~ Nicholas Murray Butler

I just love the 7 days 7 ways features in the Body and Soul lift out with the Sunday Telegraph. How to become more Optimistic is to help make you realise that anything is possible. I often use these suggestions for my daughters as well as myself.

1. Surround yourself with positive attitudes. A pessimistic outlook is easy to pick up on, so distance yourself from negative people. When you adopt a more positive way of life, you will start recognising all the good that does happen to you.

2. Avoid over thinking everything. (I over think all the time). As soon as a problem presents itself, focus your thoughts on a solution. You can only think about one thing at a time, so if you focus on solutions, the problem often rectifies itself quite quickly.

3. Be proactive. Start thinking about ways to turn negative situations around. There is a saying that goes: ' If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.' It is often as simple as that.

4.Use positive affirmations. Write phrases on post it notes such as 'anything is possible'. and 'I choose to think positive thoughts' and put them on your bathroom mirror or a cupboard door. Your thoughts will soon reflect the affirmations you read.

5. Remember the past does not equal the future. If you have experienced sadness or failure in the past, it does not mean you will go through life feeling constantly disappointed. Look at minor let-downs as lessons to prosper from.

6. Exude confidence on the outside and your brain will follow suit. People who are confident stand up straight, walk a little faster than others and take bigger steps. Try doing this too and see how quickly your mood changes.

7. Speak in a positive tone. Ever been in a slump at work bit forced yourself to speak cheerfully to a customer or your boss? Your bad mood went out the window, right? Use a positive tone at all times and you will be instantly lifted.

All these tips are helping me right now as I am facing some personal turmoil myself and a relationship breakdown. Optimism is perfect for my thought process at the moment as I am trying my best to remain optimistic in a bad situation. How do you stay optimistic when things are tough?

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