© Carole Kanchier, PhD
Contact carole@daretochange for reprint permision
Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life Shows How
You create your own life script by the thoughts you think, and you have the power to change these.
One of the most significant findings in psychology over the past decades is that individuals can choose the way they think.
Research indicate that optimism is vitally important in overcoming defeat, promoting achievement, and improving and maintaining health.
Studies show that optimists do much better in school, at work, and on the playing field. They regularly exceed the predictions of aptitude tests, and when they run for office, they are more likely than pessimist to get elected. Their health is very good and they tend to live long healthy lives.
Optimists hope for and expect the best. They usually achieve happiness and success because they learn from their mistakes, and think positively about what they want. They create their desired positions and lifestyles.
How optimistic are you?
Answer yes or no.
1. I usually count on good things to happen.
2. It’s easy for me to fall asleep.
3. I’m usually confident I’ll achieve my goals.
4. If something can go wrong for me, it will.
5. I’m always hopeful about my future.
6. I enjoy my friends and family.
7. In uncertain times, I usually expect the best.
8. I don’t usually expect things to go my way.
9. Overall, I anticipate more good things will happen to me than bad.
10. I don’t get upset too easily.
Scoring: 2 points for yes to 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9; and 2 points for no to items 4 and 8. Add your points. The higher your score, the more optimistic you seem to be
Tips for becoming optimistic
You can learn to be optimists by changing your attitudes and learning a new set of cognitive skills.
– Practice positive self-talk. “I like myself because … “ “I can … “ “I will … “ Use positive statements about such things as being healthy, being in control, or being blessed. Write down affirmations. For example, “I can change … “
Don’t criticize or complain. Think of ways to improve the situation. Avoid phrases such as, “I can’t or “I’m too old.”
– Read inspirational books and listen to positive message tapes.
– Focus on your successes. Create a “success” collage by gluing pictures together that illustrate who you want to be and what you want to accomplish. Include the goal you want to attain, how you want to look, and the personal and professional image you want to project. Look at it every day.
– View problems as challenges. If you lose your job, for example, consider it an opportunity to pursue your dream.
– Count your blessings — not your troubles. Put enthusiasm into your work.
– Write down negative thoughts and feelings. Indicate why you feel this way. For example, when adversity strikes, listen to your explanation. When it’s pessimistic, dispute it. Use evidence, alternatives, implications, and usefulness as guides. Replace negative thoughts with more positive ones. Each time you catch yourself using a negative phrase, say, “Cancel, cancel.” and replace it with more positive thoughts.
– Take your mind off “problems.” Get involved in activities that focus your attention away from the problem. For example, go to movies or concerts, meditate, listen to music or invite friends over for dinner, engage in physical activities.
– Greet others with positive, cheerful statements. Smile. This generates enthusiasm, friendliness and good will. Associate with positive, happy people who will give you support and encouragement as you work toward your goals. Make other people feel important — and do it sincerely.
Look for and expect good things to happen. Success is 15 percent aptitude and 85 percent attitude. Your attitude will determine your success in your new venture. Fill your mind with happiness, positive and constructive thoughts, desired outcomes, and helpful ideas. You’re special and have unique talents. You’re a winner.
Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life offers additional tips for enhancing optimism. Self determined “Questers” described in Questers Dare to Change, shows how to clarify life career goals, and develop a master plan for life career success. Get a copy of Questers Dare to Change: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963
Please request a pdf revIew copy from author, Carole Kanchier, PhD
Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, keynote speaker, coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning, and worked with varied individual and organizational clients. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. Carole is available for consultations and interviews.
