How to Be More Optimistic in 4 Steps

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”. – Winston Churchill

As we all know, life is full of challenges. Right? The truth is that what make all the difference is how we perceive those challenges. Optimism is key to overcome these challenges.

What is optimism? Optimism isn’t about ignoring difficulties—it’s about approaching them with a mindset that focuses on solutions, growth, and possibility. Studies have shown that optimistic people tend to be happier, healthier, and more resilient in the face of adversity. Optimism can be defined as “the extent to which people hold generalised favourable expectancies for their future” (Carver et al., 2010). When we’re optimistic, we expect good things to happen.

In this post, we’ll explore theories related to optimism, practical strategies to shift your mindset, cultivate positivity, and embrace a more hopeful outlook on life. Whether you’re facing personal setbacks or simply looking to bring more joy into your everyday experiences, these tips will help you train your brain to think more optimistically.

So what do theories say about optimism?

Theories related to Optimism

Expectancy-Value Theory of Optimism

This theory suggests that our behavior is guided by the strength of our desire to reach a goal (value) and our confidence in achieving that goal (expectancy) (Scheier & Carver, 1992). The confidence part of this equation is thought to explain the main difference between optimists and pessimists.

This means that what we do in life depends on how bad we want it, and how confident we are that we can achieve it. But, if you doubt yourself, you might hesitate or even turn back. So, the mix of desire and confidence shapes what we actually do and pursue.

Theory About Expectations

Peterson and Seligman suggest that our expectations for the future arise from how we interpret past failures (1984). They posit that if we believe that our past failures stem from innate and unchanging character flaws, for example, we are more likely to hold a pessimistic outlook for the future. In contrast, if we attribute a past failure to bad luck we are more likely to hold an optimistic outlook for the future.

The idea here it that how we see the future depends on how we explain our past failures and the way we interpret past setbacks shapes our future.

How Optimism Impacts Well-Being

Optimistic people tend to be happier than pessimistic people. Optimism is also related to lower hopelessness (Alloy et al., 2006). For example, optimistic people generally report higher levels of subjective well-being during times of adversity (Carver et al., 2010).

One of the reasons for the link between optimism and well-being is the way optimists cope with problems. They are generally more likely to engage in goal-oriented behavior because they are more confident that they can achieve those goals. So optimists seem to engage in healthy coping methods, such as considering and enacting practical solutions to issues.

This is in contrast with pessimists who tend to engage in avoidant coping methods, such as distraction. All of this contributes to greater well-being among optimists.

How Optimism Impacts Other Outcomes

Some evidence suggests that optimists are more successful when it comes to education level and income (Evans & Segerstrom, 2009; Segerstrom, 2007). Optimists might also be happier than pessimists in their social and romantic relationships (Carver et al., 2010). Additionally, studies have shown that people tend to like optimistic people more than pessimistic people, which likely increases the number of healthy relationships that optimists have (Carver et al., 1994).

Basically, being an optimist can have some pretty great perks – leading to better relationships, healthier connections and financial success.

Now, can we become more optimistic?

Can You Be More Optimistic?

While optimism is sometimes considered a trait that might not change much over time, we do have some power to change our level of optimism (Segerstrom, 2007). This means that optimism isn’t just something we’re born with; it’s also something we can develop. While some people might have a genetic tendency toward positivity, our experiences, habits, and mindset all play a role in shaping how optimistic we are.

So, the good news is that even we lean toward pessimism now, you’re not stuck there forever. This is something you can change. Here are some simple tips to follow.

1. Choose your own version of optimism

There’s no need to be optimistic all the time in every scenario (this is impossible). Instead, you can try slowly incorporating new optimistic ideas into your worldview in a way that feels authentic to you.

2. Start questioning pessimistic thoughts

We sometimes tell ourselves that our pessimistic thoughts are realistic thoughts. But remember, thoughts are not facts. If you find yourself mired in negativity, try to pause and question your thoughts.

3. Surround yourself with other optimists

Being around others who are optimistic can help you learn new tricks and discover how others find the positives even in negative situations. Simply being around an optimist can make us more optimistic.

4. Don’t force optimism

Becoming more optimistic is like any new habit: it requires motivation and practice to become second nature. It can feel a little unnatural at first (like riding a bike or rollerskating). So try it when you feel comfortable, but don’t worry about pushing yourself too far out of your comfort zone at first.

In Essence

Holding an optimistic outlook has a number of benefits. So shifting your expectations for the future and cultivating more optimism in your daily life could have a positive impact on your well-being. Optimism isn’t just a trait – it’s a skill you can build.

While some people may start with a natural inclination toward positivity, everyone has the ability to shift their mindset with practice. And the benefits are huge: greater happiness, stronger relationships, better health, and even greater success in life. So, why not start today? A little optimism can go a long way!

I hope these tips help you become more optimistic in life. Now it’s your turn to share. What’s one small step you can take today to build a more positive mindset? Let us know in the comments below 🙂

References

• Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2010). Optimism. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 879-889.
• Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1992). Effects of optimism on psychological and physical well-being: Theoretical overview and empirical update. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 16(2), 201-228.
• Alloy, L. B., Abramson, L. Y., Whitehouse, W. G., Hogan, M. E., Panzarella, C., & Rose, D. T. (2006). Prospective incidence of first onsets and recurrences of depression in individuals at high and low cognitive risk for depression. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 115(1), 145.
• Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (1984). Causal explanations as a risk factor for depression: theory and evidence. Psychological Review, 91(3), 347.
• Evans, D. R., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2009). Optimism and college retention: Mediation by motivation, performance, and adjustment. J Appl Soc Psychol, 39(8), 1887-1912.
• Segerstrom, S. C. (2007). Optimism and resources: Effects on each other and on health over 10 years. Journal of Research in Personality, 41(4), 772-786.
• Carver, C. S., Kus, L. A., & Scheier, M. F. (1994). Effects of good versus bad mood and optimistic versus pessimistic outlook on social acceptance versus rejection. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 13(2), 138-151.