Lessons on the Power of Optimism

Lessons on the Power of Optimism

Optimism can sometimes get a bad rap in business.  Optimistic people can be looked upon as unrealistic and not grounded enough to see the big picture.  However, the opposite is really true.  Teams look to their leader for optimism on the road to success.   Companies need optimistic people to build morale and create a positive atmosphere within departments.  Team members need optimistic views to reach goals and achieve them. 

Many people perceive optimism—the ability to look on the brighter side of life in the face of adversity—as inherited, others see it as innate.  A study at the Mayo Clinic suggests these strategies for being more optimistic in your daily life:

• Be on the lookout for negative thoughts.   When you catch yourself thinking your life is terrible, stop the thought in its tracks

• Put things into perspective.  Remember everyone’s life is full of sorrows and joys.

• Try to find the good in bad situations.  If you have a disappointment at work, look at what the situation tells you about yourself and learn from it.  Don’t dwell on it.

• Learn from your mistakes.  Failure is one of the greatest learning tools.  Don’t let it defeat you.  Learn and try, try again.

• Even if your mood is down, act as if your mood is up.  After awhile you may find your mood really has improved.