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OPTIMISM MONTH: March 1- 31, 2009-2015
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Do you often expect bad
things to happen? Pessimists are like the fairy tale about
Chicken Little. In the fairy tale, Chicken Little kept shouting,
'Help, help the sky is falling'. In contrast, optimistic people
expect the best. Don't worry however, I co- founded OPTIMISM
MONTH, which runs from March 1st -31st, 2005. If you're a
pessimist don't get discouraged. Optimism is not a disposition
you are born with or without. It's a learned skill, and a very
important ingredient determining your level of happiness. I
suggest practicing these tips each week of Optimism Month:
Week 1: De-tox Your Mind
To get rid of negative or intruding bad thoughts remember this
"Rule of Optimism": You can only keep one thought in your mind
at a time. You can focus your thoughts on either pessimistic or
optimistic thoughts. It's your choice. Pessimistic people focus
on gloomy thoughts of how they could fall down and not get up.
They expect the worst to happen. Optimistic people expect the
best. So, houseclean your head. This week, when setbacks or
problems pop-up, immediately focus on finding a solution.
Pessimistic people focus on complaining, but happy and
optimistic people focus on solutions.
Week 2: Optimism and Happiness by the Numbers
Are you obsessed with negative thoughts? A simple way to become
optimistic is to count your way to more positive thoughts. It's
easy to become an expert at switching your negative and bad
thoughts to more positive and upbeat thoughts and feelings. So,
this week your assignment is to focus on counting and switching
your bad thoughts to upbeat and uplifting thoughts. Each time
you have a negative thought, immediately switch to a positive
thought or solutions to your woes. Write a tally mark on a pad
of paper each time you switch like this each day. Your goal is
to decrease the number of times you need to switch. For example,
at first you may need to switch 50 times. In time, you will
decrease it to 30, 20 or 10 times a day. If you are obsessively
negative, you will become obsessively positive using this
technique.
Week 3: Avoid Emotional Vampires
Are you a loser magnet? Do you attract emotional vampires or
losers into your life? To become more optimistic -- avoid
emotional vampires. Pessimistic people allow "emotional
vampires" to suck their positive feelings right out of their
skulls. Emotional vampires include people who put you down,
criticize you or mock or sabotage your dreams and aspirations.
This week, take survey of your life by making a list of people
and situations you are exposing yourself to. Then, discard or
limit people, habits or situations that keep you from feeling
optimistic and happy. In other words, "burn your bridges" if
needed. Remember: Happy and optimistic people hang around with
personal cheerleaders. Unhappy people surround themselves with
emotional vampires.
Week 4: Act Like An Optimist
To begin acting like an optimist yourself, you need to learn
what they do. Optimistic people act and carry themselves in
certain ways. First, they use certain words. The words people
use can effect their mood. Changing your words can actually
change your attitude and feelings. I recommend using "upbeat"
words instead of "upset" words. For example, you can say, "I
feel overwhelmed." Or, "I feel challenged ... nevertheless I can
do it". Second, optimists and happy individuals take big steps,
walk faster and stand taller. In sharp contrast, pessimistic and
unhappy people shuffle their feet, take tiny steps, walk slowly
and slouch. This week, use upbeat words and watch how you carry
your body. Use the word choices and body posture of optimistic
people.
Using each of these techniques during Optimism Month will help
you become happy and optimistic. They are easy to carry out and
will create a positive domino effect with people in your life.
About the author:
Maryann Troiani, Psy.D., is a speaker & consultant with The
Mercer Group, Inc., in Barrington, Illinois. She delivers
speeches at meetings & co-authored the book, "SPONTANEOUS
OPTIMISM: Proven Strategies for Health, Prosperity & Happiness".
Dr. Troiani has tele-coached people with her 'optimism &
change-your-life" techniques. She has appeared on Oprah &
hundred of TV & radio shows. You can email her at
drmary@mercersystems.com
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