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Optimism Versus Pessimism

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You will always face choices in life and those choices can be negative or positive, depending on how you view life. You may opt to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and live a challenging and fulfilling life.

So why would you nurture an optimist’s point of view?

Well, optimism has been linked to many good things, such as a positive mood, good morale; to success in many areas of life; to popularity; to good health and even to long life.

On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults as well as younger people. Incredibly the mean age of onset has halved from 30 to 15, therefore becoming a teen-ager’s disorder’ as well as a middle age one.

You can see why it really pays to be an optimist:

Optimists expect and receive the best from life

The unfortunate, defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events are their own fault, and this belief will last a long time, undermining everything they do. Whereas optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks in life but believe defeat is just a temporary setback, and that its causes are confined to this one case.

Optimists usually focus on the 'problem' at hand. They reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow as a person. Such people are completely unfazed by a bad situation as they see it is a challenge and try harder.

The positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during upheavals and major changes, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. As a child learning to walk falls and immediately stands up again, so do they. They see only opportunities not obstacles.

People respond positively to optimists.

Optimists are proactive and much less dependent on others for their happiness or success. They find no need to control, co-erce or manipulate people. They usually find people are drawn towards them, as their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.

Optimism is a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share their positive expectancies are generally accepted while those who spread despair, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.

In life, these people often win elections or prizes; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.

It has to be said that when the going gets tough, optimists get tougher.

Optimists typically remain much calmer during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by delay dealing with problems.

They persevere. Giving up for them is not really an option. They are also known for their patience, taking their time to reach their goal or elusive dream.

Optimists are generally much healthier and live longer. Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook on life can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease. Whereas if you give up mentally, then your body gives up physically.

So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life. Look forward to success in all your endeavours and you will succeed. Be resilient and pick yourself up every time you fall. See life on the bright side and inspire those around you.

You will always face choices in life and those choices can be negative or positive, depending on how you view life. You may opt to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and live a challenging and fulfilling life. So why would you nurture an optimist’s point of view? Well, optimism has been linked to many good things, such as a positive mood, good morale; to success in many areas of life; to popularity; to go...

Kerenza Faram is the lensmaster of Success University. Visit her lens for more information on how to gain access to the most advanced online courses for self-improvement and success. 50 of the world's most reknowned speakers help you discover the secret attitudes, techniques and methods which will bring success to all areas of your life.

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com. PositiveArticles.Com does not vouch for or necessarily endorse the contents of this article.


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