You can even expect physical health benefits from increased optimism. Studies show that pessimistic people are at a higher risk for hypertension, a hindered immune system and some even claim a reduced life span.
It makes logical sense that choosing to see the world with more positivity will lower health risks associated with stress.
You increase your chances of success. The person who goes into a job interview second guessing themselves will not come off as competent to the manager, but the optimistic interviewee that knows they are qualified are more likely to exude confidence and garner trust from the manager.
Your marriage can even increase in happiness if you approach everyday as a blessing to be with them and have optimistic views for your future together. Your wife or husband would feel happier if they get a sense of positivity and happiness from you instead of negative comments.
5 Tips to Increase Optimism
Fake it till you make it. Even if you are unsure of your abilities, do your best and tell yourself that you can achieve success. Keep trying and do it with a smile. The more you believe you can achieve success, the more likely you will.
Avoid negative/pessimistic people as much as you can. The social circles you choose to be around will impact your thought patterns and behaviors. It is not easy to be an optimistic in a room full of negative-nancies. Even your faith can be impacted by those you choose to keep as friends.
Man follows his friend’s religion, you should be careful who you take for friends
Focus on what you can change. I have always liked the expression don’t cry over spilt milk. Which simply means, if you can’t change something then don’t let it bring down your mood. Focus on the things you can positively impact and let the rest go.
Eliminate negative self-talk. The next time you hear yourself saying “I can’t…” stop yourself and rephrase that to “I can because…” or “I will try my best”. This goes back to self-fulfilling prophecies; don’t set yourself up for failure by thinking you will not succeed before you even try.
Exercise gratitude daily. Every evening after maghrib take a moment to reflect on 3 positive things from your day. Allow yourself to feel gratitude and say Alhamdulillah after each one.
Final Thoughts
We know that nothing is too difficult or out of grasp for Allah (most glorified and exalted), taking time to really reflect on this reminds us that we can make duaa for anything as long as it is just and in line with our faith.
His command is only when He intends a thing that He says to it, “Be,” and it is.
How can we not feel optimism and hope when we are servants of the one that created everything and has ultimate power over everything.
Re-published with kind permission from the author. Originally published on the author’s blog.
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