Excited About the New Year?
As we enter another new year, it is an excellent time to consider how we think about the future. Even if you are usually optimistic, it is easy to get caught up in daily challenges and see the world through negativism and pessimism. The daily news cycle alone is often enough to send us down a path of negativity that may leave us seeing the world in shades of grey.
Decades of research have shown that having optimistic expectations about the future is critical to our mental and physical health. Optimists believe that life circumstances will improve or things will work out. They also think they can manage challenges. This positive outlook allows them to persist in the face of adversity. While there is a long list of benefits to being optimistic, the following are just a few of the well-documented benefits:
Improved resilience
Execution of effective coping strategies
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Adherence to healthy behaviors such as healthy eating and physical activity
Avoiding substance abuse
Lower blood pressure
Furthermore, research shows that optimism relates to numerous life circumstances. For example, optimists are more likely to invest in their education, leading to improved financial outcomes and a higher quality of life. While some of us are naturally more optimistic than others, experimental research has shown that we can improve with practice, no matter our level of optimism.
To help you explore how you see the world, read each statement and consider how often each statement is true for you. For example, is it rarely, often, or very usually true? Don’t feel like you need to be exact in your response. Just select a response that seems like a reasonable assessment. As you respond, keep in mind two things. First, no matter where you assess yourself now, there is an opportunity to improve with practice. And second, there is no right way to respond.
My day is meaningful and purposeful.
I am good at what I do.
Despite the current environment, I am optimistic about my life.
I am interested in daily activities.
I am respected.
Practice: Build Your Level of Optimism
Start by finding a comfortable, seated position with your eyes closed or your gaze focused downward.
Begin by connecting your body and mind by taking two to three slow and even breaths.
Now consider something positive in your life, such as receiving a promotion or achieving a goal. You might also consider a significant challenge that you overcame in the past.
Next, consider what role you played in your achievement or in overcoming this challenge. You might reflect on these questions:
How did your strengths and experiences, directly and indirectly, contribute to this positive outcome?
What did you learn about yourself?
In what way do you think overcoming previous challenges affects your ability to navigate our current environment successfully?
Can you accept that even with difficult and adverse events, there may be a positive outcome in the future? Notice how your body feels as you acknowledge that this might be true.
REFLECT/CONSIDER
Before you move on, take a moment to consider how today's challenges might positively impact you, your family, and society. Once you have this in your mind, visualize how these positive benefits might change how you see today.
