“At the end of the day, you can either focus on what’s tearing you apart or what’s holding you together.”
– Unknown
Image from Flickr by Ira Gelb.
Where do you fit along the optimism – pessimism continuum? Are you a half-full or half-empty kind of person? For the purpose of living a happier, more fulfilling life, the answer matters quite a bit.
Some of the benefits of optimism include:
- Increased longevity.
- Increased spiritual development and enlightenment.
- More positive, supportive relationships.
- Greater strength and resolve in times of crisis and difficulty.
- Reduced anxiety, frustration and worry.
- Enhanced persistence, which is an essential trait required to achieve success.
- Greater productivity, potentially leading to faster career progression.
- Greater patience, and greater physiological and psychological well-being.
When we bring a more optimistic perspective to our limiting beliefs, we are far more likely to fully explore and engage our own innate capabilities and live a fuller, happier life.
Exercise:
To learn more about the power of optimism, please visit www.lifeoptimizer.org/2010/03/24/benefits-of-optimism.
You can also consider two books by Martin Seligman, Learned Optimism and Authentic Happiness.
If you only have time for a relatively quick read, pick up a copy of Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar. If you only have a minute to spare each day, keep reading and doing the exercises found in the The Quotable Coach series. 🙂
Finally, please consider spreading your optimistic perspective on life by sharing The Quotable Coach with others who could benefit. You could send them a link to your favorite quote at www.thequotablecoach.com.