Psychologist Martin Seligman,
the godfather of the positive psychology moment, conducted
extensive research in optimists versus pessimists. What he found
was optimism can be learned. He discovered that optimists
consistently talk about what they are rather than what they are
not, or what they have instead of what they don't have. Pessimists
have one thing in common, they talk about why things are not the
way they should be and what they don't have.
We are not born pessimists. In fact, all children are optimists
until we program them differently. Stand outside any amusement park
on any given weekend and talk to the families that exit. Kids come
out and you ask them, "What did you think of the park?" The gush,
"Oh that was so cool!" Now talk to the parents and here is what
they say, "Lines are too long". "Food was overpriced". "The damn
noise and crowds get on my nerves". So is the amusement park a
happy place or a place from hell? The answer is - it is neither. It
depends on the meaning we give to it.
How did we go from being born optimists to being pessimists?
Somewhere along the way we were trained not to be optimistic in
case things don't work out. If you are too optimistic and things
don't work out you will be very disappointed. But if you are
pessimistic and they don't work out you will be less disappointed
and of course, you will be "right".
Seligman also states that we can learn or relearn how to be
optimistic. According to his research optimists outperform
pessimists ten to one! Maybe it is time to reprogram our thinking
and ask, "What is good about this situation?" and if we cannot find
the good, ask, "What does my reaction to this say about me?" This
can help you to become more of an optimist.
Today will bring you a new awareness, a lesson or a manifestation
that you are making progress - IF YOU LOOK FOR IT! No matter how
large or small, please record it in your Evidence Journal. It will
only take a few moments and will AUTOMATICALLY put you in the Flow.
the godfather of the positive psychology moment, conducted
extensive research in optimists versus pessimists. What he found
was optimism can be learned. He discovered that optimists
consistently talk about what they are rather than what they are
not, or what they have instead of what they don't have. Pessimists
have one thing in common, they talk about why things are not the
way they should be and what they don't have.
We are not born pessimists. In fact, all children are optimists
until we program them differently. Stand outside any amusement park
on any given weekend and talk to the families that exit. Kids come
out and you ask them, "What did you think of the park?" The gush,
"Oh that was so cool!" Now talk to the parents and here is what
they say, "Lines are too long". "Food was overpriced". "The damn
noise and crowds get on my nerves". So is the amusement park a
happy place or a place from hell? The answer is - it is neither. It
depends on the meaning we give to it.
How did we go from being born optimists to being pessimists?
Somewhere along the way we were trained not to be optimistic in
case things don't work out. If you are too optimistic and things
don't work out you will be very disappointed. But if you are
pessimistic and they don't work out you will be less disappointed
and of course, you will be "right".
Seligman also states that we can learn or relearn how to be
optimistic. According to his research optimists outperform
pessimists ten to one! Maybe it is time to reprogram our thinking
and ask, "What is good about this situation?" and if we cannot find
the good, ask, "What does my reaction to this say about me?" This
can help you to become more of an optimist.
Today will bring you a new awareness, a lesson or a manifestation
that you are making progress - IF YOU LOOK FOR IT! No matter how
large or small, please record it in your Evidence Journal. It will
only take a few moments and will AUTOMATICALLY put you in the Flow.
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