Optimism is that little spark that keeps you going through the hard times, am I right?  We’ve all had hard times – maybe money is tight, or a relationship has gone south, your health isn’t great, or you’re feeling stuck in your job– hard times are real, and we can’t just wish them away.  But don’t be discouraged!  We DO have control over our thoughts, and I’ve got 3 ways you can reignite that spark of optimism and bring some joy back to life.

3 Ideas

1. Take action. Nothing is more empowering than picking yourself up, brushing the dust off, and getting yourself moving again.  No more wallowing in self-pity or self-recrimination.  If you’re not sure what that action should be, just ask yourself, “What is the next right step for me to take today?” and then go do it.  Or even just take a walk around the block and get some fresh air, soaking in nature’s beauty.  You’ll come back feeling more hopeful, I promise. 
2. Reframe the story you’re telling yourself. Be REALLY aware of your internal conversation.  Are you saying things like, “of course this happened to me”, “I knew this was going to fail”, “how could I be so stupid?” “What is wrong with me?” Ouch!  It hurts me just to write those words, much less think about those words running around inside your brain.  Here’s some more positive frames: “What can I learn from this experience so that it doesn’t happen again?” “Yes, this hurts, but I know it’s temporary.  Life WILL be a little better tomorrow than it is today”, or “Nobody’s perfect – as least I was willing to try”.  Or my personal favorite: “What if it all works out?”
3. Stop comparing yourself to other people. I think nothing short circuits people’s sense of optimism faster than falling into the comparison trap.  Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram or looking at your neighbor’s new car or your brother’s bigger house, it all undermines your confidence and optimism.  The only person you should be comparing yourself to is WHO YOU WERE yesterday – keep your eyes fixed on your daily incremental progress, and you can’t help but feel optimistic about the power that lives inside of you to create the life you want and deserve.  There is only ONE you, and you are incomparable. 

2 Deeper Dives

If you need a daily dose of optimism, Brendon Burchard is your man. 

If you’re ever in Seattle, visit Optimism Brewing.  Heck, even their website is inspiring. 

1 quote

"Optimism isn't a belief that things will automatically get better; it's a conviction that we can make things better." -- Melinda Gates

Wishing you wealth and success,

Yvonne ☺