"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars."- Frederick Langbridge, A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts If you've placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push for better results the next time or will you be discouraged and find an excuse not to join again? So why nurture an optimist's point of view? And why now? Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma. On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife's disorder but also a teen-ager's disorder as well. Here's how optimists take action and research that backs up why it really pays to be an optimist: Optimists expect the best. The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault. The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune---it's the opposite of a pessimist. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case. John Rohn explains this very eloquently. He says: "The same wind blows on us all. It's the set of your sails that determines your life's outcome." Two people look at a glass of water. The pessimist sees the glass as half empty ... the optimist sees the galss as half full. Be an optimist. Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it as a challenge and try harder. They won't say "things will never get better, If I failed once, it will happen again and if I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life." Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles. People respond positively to optimists. Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those with them. Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably. In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice. When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher. Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being 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 avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise. Optimists persevere. They just don't give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream. Optimists are healthier and live longer. Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease. Optimists' health is usually very good. They age well and are more free than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts. So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life. Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don't just stay there. Drag yourself out of the mud and get back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?
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