These days it seems like we all struggle to feel optimistic.
When I was a child, I would wake up each morning with my brain humming with excitement about the blank canvas stretched before me. Each new day held endless promises of adventure, exploration, and happiness.
Sadly, diminished hopes and shattered dreams have broken that child-like optimistic attitude.
I would do just about anything to regain the feeling of overwhelming hope washing over me as I rub the sleep out of my eyes each morning. Wouldn’t you?
Maintaining a positive outlook is essential for our mental and emotional well-being. Optimism is not just a fleeting emotion but rather a mindset that can be cultivated with practice and intention.
Let’s explore strategies to help you feel more optimistic today. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of the power of optimism and be equipped with tools to help you cultivate a more positive outlook on life. Remember, optimism is not about denying reality or ignoring challenges, but rather choosing to focus on what is possible and finding solutions to overcome obstacles.
Together, let’s grab the reins of childhood buoyancy and find ways to feel more optimistic every day.
7 Things To Do To Feel More Optimistic
1. Start Your Day With Positivity
Begin your day with an optimistic mindset by reminding yourself of all the good things in your life. You can do this by making a mental list of things you’re grateful for or writing them down in a journal. This will set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
I am plagued with recurring nightmares so my mornings are sometimes a bit frantic. A technique I find helpful is to write down a positive note to myself in a spiral notebook. I leave it open on that page so that I will see it first thing in the morning. It’s like a little love note to myself.
2. Reframe Negative Thoughts
Whenever you find yourself having negative thoughts, try to reframe them in a more positive light. For example, instead of thinking “I can’t do this,” try to think “I may not be able to do it now, but with practice and perseverance, I can improve.”
It sounds simple. But often times the simplest route is the strongest and most direct.
3. Surround Yourself With Positivity
Surround yourself with positive people, books, music, or anything else that brings you joy and uplifts your mood. This will help you stay motivated and optimistic throughout the day.
My favorite bit of positivity comes from my environment: a spring garden, a peaceful church, and a glowing sunset–these things calm my soul.
4. Focus On Solutions
Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on finding solutions. This will help you feel more empowered and in control of your situation, which can boost your optimism.
5. Practice Self-Care
Take care of yourself by eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that make you happy. When you feel good physically, you’re more likely to feel optimistic mentally.
I often mix up self-care with ‘treat time’! I have learned that treating myself to a pastry isn’t going to make my body feel more cared for. In fact, it’ll leave me feeling sluggish. But if I indulge in a delicious cup of healthy green tea, I will warm up my body, thoughts, and feelings. Self-care is the art of making yourself feel good.
6. Embrace Challenges
Instead of fearing challenges, embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. This will help you develop a growth mindset and feel more optimistic about your future.
As a writer, I get ‘constructive feedback’ all the time. I try to look at each one as exactly that– it’s not criticism, it’s feedback to make me a better writer.
7. Practice Gratitude
Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This can be as simple as appreciating a beautiful flower or being thankful for the people in your life. Practicing gratitude can help you feel more optimistic and content with your life.
Remember, feeling optimistic is not about denying reality or ignoring challenges. It’s about choosing to focus on what is possible and finding solutions to overcome obstacles. With practice and intention, you can cultivate a more positive outlook on life and feel more optimistic every day. We all deserve the chance to wake up with childlike enthusiasm once again.
