© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Are you a Quester? Would you like to become one? Who are Questers, anyway?

Questers are growth-oriented individuals with a sense or purpose, confidence, resilience, perseverance, and will to risk, who are redefining how we look at career and work!

Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

We are all born with Quester qualities. You can see these characteristics in babies and young children. They continuously explore the world around them. Infants reach out to grasp their parents’ ears, eyes, or clothing and objects in their cribs. As they learn to walk, they have fun exploring every cupboard in their homes.

Children learn to crawl, walk, and build with blocks by persevering and risking. They are not deterred by falls. There is no word for failure in their vocabularies. Children feel good about accomplishing challenging tasks, as you can see by their sparkling eyes, excited waving of arms and legs, and smiles and laughter.

Unfortunately, as people grow older, many lose this excitement for learning; they forget the good feelings that come from accomplishing difficult tasks. Various reprimands, don’ts, shouldn’ts, and shames result in embarrassment or fear of trying and failing. Many adults set up barriers to growth that are manifested in expressions of resistance such as fear, denial, impatience, false beliefs, and low confidence. They lose touch with their inner child and their Quester traits.

You have Quester qualities within that you can strengthen if you desire. The personality you developed throughout your childhood and adolescence needn’t be your wardrobe for life. You can do a complete makeover anytime you want!

Strengthen Quester Traits

– Clarify purpose. Identify themes: absorbing childhood activities, proud accomplishments, when you’re most energized  a favorite Halloween costume.

– Be authentic. Do what’s right for you. Ensure actions are consistent with thoughts and feeling. Set goals in harmony with your purpose.

– Build confidence. Focus on the positive. Avoid, “I can’t.”  Don’t compare yourself with others. Judge accomplishments against personal standards and strive for excellence.

– Continue to learn. Read, take courses, volunteer. Challenge conventional beliefs. Recognize and seize opportunities. Find better ways to do things. Try! Place no limitations on yourself.  

– Strengthen courage to risk. Review three successful risks taken. Note what made these successful. Identify perceived barriers for taking another risk and explore ways to overcome these.

– Manage fear. Identify worrisome issues. Minimize these using appropriate information and resources. Live in the present. Let go of “attachments.” Form a support group.

Create a life in which you can continue to learn, grow, and have choices. Life is an opportunity, take it, life is an adventure, dare it! Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life shows how! 

Request a complementary copy of chapter 1:  www.questersdaretochange,com/free-chaptet-1/

A gratuitous pdf review copy of Questers is available from author, Carole Kanchier, PhD: carole@questersdaretochange.com

Check Paperback and Kindle editions of Questers: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach, speaker, 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 clients representing varied disciplines. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; http://www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Are You Headed For #JobBurnout?

If you are you irritable, usually tired, feel powerless about your job, hate going to work, you may be headed for job burnout.

#According to the World Health Organization (WHO) occupational burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic work-related stress with symptoms characterized by “feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy.

 While burnout may influence health and can be a reason for people contacting health professional, it is not itself classified by the WHO as a medical condition, The World Health Organization states that “Burn-out refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life “

Occupational stress has been defined as a “global epidemic” by the United Nations’ International Labor Organization. The World Health Organization estimates that stress costs American businesses billion of dollars a year in absenteeism, low productivity, staff turnover, workers’ compensation, and other stress-related expenses.

Of course, stress is a factor in every one’s life, particularly during major events such our current pandemic as well as usual stressors like marriage, divorce, or buying a home. But according to the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, which rates the levels of stress caused by such events, many of the most stressful events are related to the workplace: mismatch between personal characteristics and job, business readjustments, firings, changes in financial status, altered responsibilities, switch to different line of work, trouble with superiors, variations in work hours, retirement, and vacations.

Employers need to play a big role in addressing burnout by paying attention to whether employees have a sense of community at work, strong social relationships, a collegial environment, a workload that’s not too burdensome, a sense of agency at work, and a healthy work-life balance.

The new WHO definition also requires that to diagnose burnout, mental health professionals have to rule out anxiety, mood disorders and other stress-related disorders.

What Does This Stress Quiz Say About You?

Answer “yes” or “no:”

1. I’m irritable.

2.I am always tired.

3. I have little to say to people

4. I have no time for leisure activities

5. I’m inefficient

6. I use of drugs to cope with job pressures

7. I feel powerless about my job; lack feelings of success or challenge

8. I forget appointments, deadlines or personal possessions

9. I have insomnia, headaches, colds

10. I hate going to work

11. I’m pessimistic

Interpretation: If you answered “yes” to 6 or more, you may be stressed.  Fortunately, stress is preventable and can be a catalyst for growth.

Managing Stress

• Seek challenges at work or in leisure activities.

• Engage in positive self-talk. Tell yourself, “I’m OK just as I am…” Realize you don’t always have to prove something.

• List job energizes and stressors. Focus on positive responsibilities; intersperse negative activities with short breaks and rewards. Avoid unnecessary meetings and delegate.

• Keep problems in perspective.  Failures can be learning experiences.

• Rejuvenate yourself using strategies like meditation and creative visualization. Sleep at least seven hours.

• Eat well, exercise regularly, develop support systems, and play. Try hosting a costume party or playing a game you enjoyed as a child.

• Listen to yourself. Attend to dreams, sorrows and beliefs. If you want time to watch your children grow, don’t play golf with colleagues.

• Consider a job shift or seek professional consultation.

• Refer to “Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life” which shows how to minimize burnout

Award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, PhD, shows how clarify life career goals, and develop a master plan for moving forward. Get a copy of Questers Dare to Change: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963  

 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 nd interviews

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Are You Ready For a New Career?

You know that something’s missing but you can’t put your finger on it!

Are you wondering whether you should make changes in your career — and life, or stay put?

Are you satisfied with your job?

Respond “yes” or “no:”

1. Is your body sending you messages?  Do you have lingering colds?  Trouble getting up work days?

2. Are you constantly thinking, “I can hardly wait till Friday?”

3. Do you frequently daydream at work?

4. Do you call in sick when you’re not?

5. Have your performance and productivity slipped?

7. Do you have many disagreements with colleagues or superiors?

8. Will leaving the organization enable you to achieve desired goals?

9. Is your work damaging your self confidence, health, or other?

Scoring: Two or more “yeses” suggest you may be dissatisfied with your job. To nurture your career, act. If you’re convinced a job move is in order, go for it!

Career Transition Tips

–  Define and overcome barriers. Describe any blocks that are preventing you from making a move. Examples could be fear of losing a secure income, pension or other benefits; fear that you will lose power, prestige; fear of having to live up to an image, making a mistake, or being embarrassed; not knowing where to begin a new job search; or guilt that change may interfere with relationships.

–  Know that you have many exciting options. These include changing departments in the same organization, shifting employers, changing occupational fields, becoming self employed, taking a sabbatical or going back to school for upgrading or retraining.

–  Investigate options. Research and planning will reduce risk. For example, if you want to return to school or start your own business, and fear reduced income, you can learn to live on less, work part-time while pursing your goal and borrow money from family or a financial institution.

–  Avoid guilt. Don’t worry about letting everyone down, or what others may think. Don’t mourn a job that no longer meets your needs.

– Don’t stay in a job you dislike because of security. Security is wishful thinking today. But developing positive attitudes, believing in yourself, working hard, and developing the will to risk will enable you to succeed.

–  Realize that change involves tradeoffs. Change may involve some temporary personal or financial sacrifices. But most Questers agree that in the long term, their gains far outweigh their losses. Greater satisfaction, independence, flexibility and control over personal and work lives are some benefits acquired.

– Listen to your self. Don’t base your self-respect on what other’s think. Clarifying and listening to your feelings will help you identify what you really want. If you make the move that’s right for you, you will succeed. Better relationships with family and friends are often added benefits.

– Don’t make excuses. Be honest. If you feel stagnant, deciding to stay can be as traumatic as moving. Staying in a job with no hope of advancement or satisfaction is self defeating and risky. Stress, illness, and loss of enthusiasm, self-confidence and employability may result.

– Don’t be afraid to fail. Setbacks are learning experiences. Successful changers eliminate much failure by planning and persisting. If they do fail, and they do, they say, “I’ve done my best. … I’m only human.” Then they figure out what went wrong, modify their plans and try again.

Award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, shows how to clarify life career goals and develop a master plan for life career success. Give yourself a New Year’s gift:. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963  

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, keynote speaker, coach and author of 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

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; http://www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Questers Dare to Change Shows How

Based on Dr. Carole Kanchier’s ongoing research with thousands of adults, award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life redefines careers and work, and shows how “Questers” prevail in turbulent times.

Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

Please request a pdf review copy of Questers Dare to Change: carole@questersdaretochange.com

Please review sample book chapters: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/book/excerpts/ and Carole’s blogs: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog.

Carole would love to share experiences on the life career quest with readers and viewers, and is available for interviews and consultations

Carole Kanchier, PhD
Registered Psychologist, Educator, Newspaper/Digital Columnist

Blog: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog

Author, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: Email:carole@daretochange.com;   carole@questersdaretochange.com

QUESTERS DARE TO CHANGE YOUR JOB AND LIFE

– Paperback edition of Questers: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

– Check audible version: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Informative, Thought-Provoking Interview Questions

l Who are “Questers?” What are their characteristics? How can people find out if they have a “Q” type personality?

l Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

l What can people do to develop Quester traits?

l How does “the seven year itch” apply to career transitions – voluntary and involuntary?

l How can a person turn a job loss into a victory? Survive in the current job market?

l Many people are holding on to jobs they dislike/ Is this wise?  

l How can people stay optimistic during job search? Is it realistic to dream big?

l How can adults find work that matters to them and gives them a sense of meaning, purpose and direction?

l Why did you write Dare to Change?

l You share very interesting stories about people who’ve made unconventional career moves. Tell us about some.

lYou have an interesting chart of old and new career attitudes. Please share some old and new views.

l What are some career transition Do’s and Don’ts?

l Is it too late for a person of about 55 to change jobs or return to school?

l What are some great strategies for landing a job?

l What about people who want to change their lives but are afraid? How can they overcome the fear?

l Can people who are not by nature risk-takers develop the will to risk?

l What factors should people consider when making career decisions?

l How can people tell if they’re ready for a career change?

l  What can a person do to present a dynamic image?

l How can a job searcher stay motivated after getting numerous job rejections?

l What does “retirement” mean to you?

l What are some common excuses people make for not following their dreams?

l How can people use intuition for career decision making or job search?

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is a newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, 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 clients representing varied organizations. Dr Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. Carole may be contacted for interviews and consultations.

Contact Carole: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; http://www.questersdaretochange.com

Questers Dare to Change: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

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© Carole Kanchier, PhD        

 “Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality.” –  Earl Nightingale

Belief is a thought in your mind. As a person thinks, feels, and believes, so is the condition of his mind, body and circumstances. Prayers are answered when the individual’s subconscious mind responds to the mental picture or thought in his mind. This law of belief is the hidden reason for psychological truth, and the secret operating principle in all world religions. Essentially, answered prayers are the realizations of your heart’s desires.

To change your world, you must change your mind from the inside out. All the beliefs and tendencies that were instilled in you from birth are still with you and they have the power to manifest in and influence your life.

The tendency of your subconscious mind is always lifeward. Your subconscious is always reproducing according to your habitual mental patterns. Infinite intelligence and boundless love are available when you can draw these forth.

Your subconscious mind works according to the law of belief.

All your experiences, events, conditions and acts are produced by your subconscious mind in reaction to your thoughts. Your prayer is answered according to the universal law of action and reaction. Thought is initial action. The reaction is the response from your subconscious mind that corresponds to the nature of your thought. Fill your mind with the concept of harmony, health, peace and goodwill, and wonders will happen in your life.

Whether the object of your faith is real or false, you’ll get results. Your subconscious mind responds to thoughts in your mind.

Your conscious mind is active, focused thoughts; and your subconscious mind involves automatic mental processes (such as directing your breathing and heart beat). Your subconscious mind is able to tap into all of your memories (even ones that you cannot consciously remember) and takes emotionally-laden messages seriously.

Lesson: If you consciously believe something, your subconscious mind is ingenious in finding solutions to your problem. An example comes with the well-known placebo effect. If you give people a sugar pill and tell them it will cure their disease, many people will be cured. Their belief in the cure provides changes in the biochemistry of the body that causes the body to go back into a healthy state.

The subconscious power must, however, be directed by the conscious mind, and that is your responsibility.

Tips for using mind power

1. Look within. Picturing your desired end result in your mind causes your subconscious to respond and fulfill your mental picture.

2. Ask your subconscious for help. If you tell your subconscious that you want to awaken at 5:30 am, it will awaken you at that time.

3. Convey your goals such as completing a course within a time frame to your subconscious, and it will obey. Every thought is a cause and every condition is an effect.

4. Like a ship captain you must give the right orders. Never use expressions such as “I can’t.” Your subconscious takes you at your word. Affirm, “I can do all things through the power of my subconscious mind.”

5. The law of life is the law of BELIEF. A belief is a thought in your mind. Believe in the power of your subconscious to heal, inspire, strengthen and prosper you.

You are the captain of your soul (Subconscious mind) and the master of your fate (Conscious mind).  Change your thoughts to change your destiny — and manifest your desired 2021 goals.

Numerous techniques for directing the subconscious, like affirmation and visualization, are explained in Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life by Dr. Carole Kanchier. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963  

Carole is available for consultations, coaching and speaking engagements.

Contact Carole; carole@questersdaretochange.com; carole@daretochange.com;http://www.questersdaretochange.com

* Job Search Tips for Holiday Season

– Know yourself and job target

– Prepare an elevator speech

– Network at holiday events

– Build an online professional profile on social media channels

– Present a professional image online and in person

– Send holiday greeting cards and emails to well-connected friends and work-related contacts

Review the many suggestions offered in award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life which redefines lifelong career decisions making. Paperback edition: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Check audible edition: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

 Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, 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 clients representing many disciplines. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

 Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

3 Tips for Having Integrity at Work

– Be honest. trustworthy, accountable, maintain confidentially

– Adhere to Golden Rule

– Work diligently, follow company policies

Award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, provides additional tips for growing personally and professionally : https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963.

Get the audible version: https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

© carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

 EMBRACE CHANGE IN THE NEW YEAR 

Questers Dare to Change Shows How

The New Year is a great time to reexamine life career goals and plan for success.

Inspiring award winner, Questers Dare to Change redefines career advancement and shows how Questers navigate lifelong career decisions.

Based on Dr. Carole Kanchier’s ongoing research with thousands of adults, award winning, Questers Dare to Change redefines careers and work, and shows how “Questers” prevail in turbulent times.

Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

Please request a pdf review copy of Questers Dare to Change: carole@questersdaretochange.com

Please review sample book chapters: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/book/excerpts/ and Carole’s blogs: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog.

Carole would love to share experiences on the life career quest with readers/viewers, and is available for interviews and consultations

Carole Kanchier, PhD
Registered Psychologist, Educator, Newspaper/Digital Columnist

Author, Questers Dare to Change https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VVF5TX1/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MNttFbNBAZ4ZQ

Blog: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog
Email: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com

– Paperback edition of Questers: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Informative, Thought-Provoking Interview Questions

Who are “Questers?” What are their characteristics? How can people find out if they have a “Q” type personality?

Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/ l What can people do to develop Ques

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Are You Ready For a New Career?

You know that something’s missing but you can’t put your finger on it!

Are you wondering whether you should make changes in your career — and life, or stay put?

Are you satisfied with your job?

Respond “yes” or “no:”

1. Is your body sending you messages?  Do you have lingering colds?  Trouble getting up work days?

2. Are you constantly thinking, “I can hardly wait till Friday?”

3. Do you frequently daydream at work?

4. Do you call in sick when you’re not?

5. Have your performance and productivity slipped?

7. Do you have many disagreements with colleagues or superiors?

8. Will leaving the organization enable you to achieve desired goals?

9. Is your work damaging your self confidence, health, or other?

Scoring: Two or more “yeses” suggest you may be dissatisfied with your job. To nurture your career, act. If you’re convinced a job move is in order, go for it!

Career Transition Tips

–  Define and overcome barriers. Describe any blocks that are preventing you from making a move. Examples could be fear of losing a secure income, pension or other benefits; fear that you will lose power, prestige; fear of having to live up to an image, making a mistake, or being embarrassed; not knowing where to begin a new job search; or guilt that change may interfere with relationships.

–  Know that you have many exciting options. These include changing departments in the same organization, shifting employers, changing occupational fields, becoming self employed, taking a sabbatical or going back to school for upgrading or retraining.

–  Investigate options. Research and planning will reduce risk. For example, if you want to return to school or start your own business, and fear reduced income, you can learn to live on less, work part-time while pursing your goal and borrow money from family or a financial institution.

–  Avoid guilt. Don’t worry about letting everyone down, or what others may think. Don’t mourn a job that no longer meets your needs.

– Don’t stay in a job you dislike because of security. Security is wishful thinking today. But developing positive attitudes, believing in yourself, working hard, and developing the will to risk will enable you to succeed.

–  Realize that change involves tradeoffs. Change may involve some temporary personal or financial sacrifices. But most Questers agree that in the long term, their gains far outweigh their losses. Greater satisfaction, independence, flexibility and control over personal and work lives are some benefits acquired.

– Listen to your self. Don’t base your self-respect on what other’s think. Clarifying and listening to your feelings will help you identify what you really want. If you make the move that’s right for you, you will succeed. Better relationships with family and friends are often added benefits.

– Don’t make excuses. Be honest. If you feel stagnant, deciding to stay can be as traumatic as moving. Staying in a job with no hope of advancement or satisfaction is self defeating and risky. Stress, illness, and loss of enthusiasm, self-confidence and employability may result.

– Don’t be afraid to fail. Setbacks are learning experiences. Successful changers eliminate much failure by planning and persisting. If they do fail, and they do, they say, “I’ve done my best. … I’m only human.” Then they figure out what went wrong, modify their plans and try again.

Award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, shows how to clarify life career goals and develop a master plan for life career success. Give yourself a Christmas gift. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963  

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, keynote speaker, coach and author of 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

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; http://www.questersdaretochange.com

© 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.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; http://www.questersdaretochange.com