There are compelling reasons in learning to think like an optimist. An optimistic thinking style is a key factor in wellbeing. These go far beyond the usual simplified ‘glass half full’ ideas or the claims of the positive thinking movement. There are now thousands of studies that attest to the value of optimism at all stages of our lives. From childhood to old age, an optimistic outlook confers all sorts of advantages.
You don't have to be an optimist to think optimistically, and there are many reasons we it is worth our consideration.
Adopting a learning attitude means that you see life as a process of learning and growth. Experiences are seen as opportunities for learning, which is empowering and takes some of the sting out of negative events.
There are advantages to optimism that are worth considering, but some people are put off because they don't want to be disloyal to negativity. Optimism and pessimism are generally seen as opposites, but that doesn't mean they are mutually exclusive; learning optimism does not mean abandoning negativity. If that is what turns you on, stick with it. If you tend towards a pessimistic outlook, how about learning selective optimism? That way you can get the benefits and still be true to your negativity.
There's nothing wrong with a negative thinking style, just as long as you don't let it rule your life.
Personal resilience relates to a person's ability to bounce back in the face of high demand, unwanted change, challenge, or adversity. It can be developed.
There is no way of knowing in advance what all the possibilities are, so I'm not suggesting that you can make a list then choose the possibility that suits you. It's more a question of belief.
I'm not sure if they all do it, but my dog has shown me how it pays off to have positive expectations. He's also helped me learn something about my own needs (like I need six walks a day, apparently).
