Optimism allows people to see the positive or an opportunity even in a tough situation. When someone is optimistic, it can open doors to different people, wealth, health, and even a better life. In a 30-year study involving more than 70,000 participants, it concludes that men and women with high optimism compared to low optimism had a 14.9% longer life span. Your body listens to your mind. If you speak life, you have the opportunity to create more life for yourself. Here are some tips that can help increase optimism.

February 7, 2021

By: Darius Malbon

1. Get Outside

Going outside can allow you to reflect upon the greatness that this Earth has to offer. One can get in touch with nature and embrace all our senses outside such as smell, sight, sound, touch and even taste if you decide to eat anything. However, the significance about going outside and being mindful is that it allows you to stay in touch with the present…which is hard for many people. Focusing on the present can allow you to not have anxiety about the past or what is going to happen.

Reflection 1: Go outside to allow yourself to be more mindful.

2. Break Down Your Fears

Many people who struggle with anxiety tend to expect things to not work out for them in a positive way. This causes people to have fear and be on edge often. Gaining information about your fear and breaking it down can give comfort. One needs to acknowledge that “yes” things can happen, but also other things can happen as well. I know it can be hard to not think something bad can happen; however, realistically things tend to resolve over time. Also, analyzing how something can affect some areas but not others can allow someone to see that it isn’t as terrible as they originally thought. Steve Gross, licensed social worker and founder of Life is Good Kids Foundation says, “You want to be able to imagine positive outcomes as well as realize that negative outcomes won’t destroy you.”

Reflection 2: Breaking down your fears may be the key to allowing yourself to realize that you can overcome these obstacles.

3. Surround Yourself With Optimistic People

When you want to change your mindset, some times you have to change your surroundings. Emerging yourself in something refreshing or different can be the push that you need. Surround yourself with people who have the emotion and support you need. When you are struggling with something, hanging out with someone who is struggling with the same thing you are dealing with often leads to the same struggle. However, when you hang around someone who isn’t in the hole that you are in, they are able to reach out their hand and lift you up. The people you hang around with influence your mind so make sure you choose wisely.

Reflection 3: The people you hang around can dictate your mindset.

4. State A Positive Goal Or Purpose Every Day

Words are powerful. I can not stress how powerful your words are. Remember…God created this world through Words. Speaking positive can change the mindset that you have. When you wake up in the morning, try speaking out a positive goal you want to accomplish that day. You can even keep a journal where you can put positive thoughts and goals that you want to write down. Change your mindset because that can dictate your day. Instead of saying, “Ahh I have to get up,” shift your thoughts to, “I have another day of life.” Little phrases matter more than you think.

Reflection 4: Challenge yourself to speak positive words and life throughout your day.

Romans 5:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Disclaimer: I am not a therapist nor professional in this area. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dariusmalbon.com

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Sources:

• Cathy Cassata, “7 Ways to Increase Optimism and Reduce Anxiety Every Day” Healthline, October 1, 2019, accessed February 4, 2021 https://www.healthline.com/health-news/reduce-anxiety-by-practicing-optimism-can-help

• Christopher Bergland, “Optimism Study Gives Optimists More Reason to Be Optimistic” Psychology Today, August 27, 2019, accessed February 4, 2021 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201908/optimism-study-gives-optimists-more-reason-be-optimistic