28 May 2024

The power of optimistic thinking is incredible. According to the Oxford English dictionary, the word Optimistic is defined as being hopeful and confident about the future. Sometimes we are thrown into situations that seem never ending. They are rough, tough, and uneasy. The end of the tunnel is not easily seen. This sometimes causes us to lose sight of the future and all there is to hope for.

Staying optimistic, no matter the circumstances, is extremely powerful and can impact your life in a multitude of ways. Below are five ways optimistic thoughts can make you feel better no matter what is happening.

1.     Live a Longer Life: On September 10th, 2019, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) published a study regarding optimism and how it affects age. With over 70,000 participants, the study found that the participants who rated themselves as having high optimism were more likely to live to age 85 or older compared with the participants who ranked themselves less optimistic. In other words, you can’t beat science so think optimistically and stay alive longer.

2.     Lower Stress Levels: Negativity breeds stress. Have you ever been asked if you look at the glass half full or half empty? Well, looking at the glass half empty may almost immediately cause increased stress levels. Think about it, if something is empty, that means something is missing.

If something is missing, that means it needs to be found. If it needs to be found, that means making a plan and taking time out of your busy day to find it. That in turn leads to worrying about how you’ll get it back and what it will cost you to complete the task. Think optimistically and you’ll prevent needless stress and worry.

You’ll also avoid physical and mental anguish over things you absolutely do not need to even be concerned with. Having optimistic thoughts will help you stay centrally grounded with less stress.

3.     Higher Motivation: Everyone has goals for their life. These goals can be as simple as being a good parent or getting good grades in school or as complex as wanting to be the President of the United States or making the next big scientific discovery. No matter what your goal is, you need motivation to achieve it.

Consistently having optimistic thoughts puts your body at ease and in a happy mood. When you are in a happy mood, you want to achieve more. When you want to achieve more, you create plans to get you to where you want to be. You need to think optimistically to achieve your goals.

4.     Higher Work Success Rates: According to Shawn Achor, a Harvard researcher and positive psychology expert, optimism along with the ability to view a challenge as the chance to grow instead of as a stressor is 75% of what makes a successful employee. Successful employees excel at their work, usually advancing up the corporate ladder. Successful employees are generally paid more and are offered better benefits packages. Thinking optimistically will increase your chances of being successful in the workplace.

5.     Happier Relationships: Positivity is contagious. When a person is positive in one area of their life, it spills over into another. For example, if you are deliberately optimistic in your thoughts, you may find you are unconsciously more positive and open with your friends, significant others, family, and coworkers. This will increase happiness and enjoyment in day-to-day communication and activities.

Keeping optimistic thoughts, no matter what is happening around you, is a remarkable way to propel yourself forward spiritually, physically, and mentally.

The following is an affirmation that will help you to get into the daily routine of thinking positive thoughts. By reciting the following verse daily (preferably at the start of your day) you will start each day with a positive intention that over time will start to bring you positive change in your life and those of others around you whose lives you are a part of:

Each Day I Meditate on Positive Thoughts

It is important for me to start my day with an optimistic attitude. I put my mind in the position to expect only good things. Daily meditation on positive thoughts is the key to successful living.

When I take a moment to reflect on the blessings that surround me, I smile from the inside out. Joy radiates from me. It makes me a blessing in the lives of those who I come across each day.

I spend time considering how to contribute to uplifting someone’s circumstances. Taking time to think about others opens my heart and teaches me kindness.

In my meditations, I focus on constructive behaviors. I prime my mind for challenging situations and ensure that my responses prevent conflict.

The special people in my life make it extra special. I spend time thinking about them and pinpointing the impact that they have on my life. I contemplate how much their love means to me. Thinking about them reminds me to always show them how much I appreciate their love and support.

Today, I see clearly how a positive mind leads to a positive life. I am committed to charting a course that enriches the lives of those around me. I train myself to live in love, sacrifice, and peace.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1.     How can meditating each morning impact my life?

2.     What can I do to get myself in a positive frame of mind for meditation?

3.     How is my meditation practice impacted by challenging circumstances?