“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”
Winston Churchill
Optimism.
It can turn a situation that looks negative or bleak into an opportunity or something to learn from.
It can replace the exhausting thoughts of pessimism with something that will create more positive energy and enthusiasm.
And it can help you jump over obstacles, keep moving when you fall or stumble, and not give up because you’ve had a few temporary setbacks.
So it’s a good idea to add more of it not only to your own life, but to the lives of the people in your world.
Because in the long run you tend to get what you give.
And in the short term, you can enjoy the smiles as you create and spread that positivity. Besides, you will increases your self-esteem when you feel like you’re doing the right thing.
Here are 10 simple tips to help you get started.
1. Play music with positive energy.
Uplifting music is of course a great way to boost your own mood and open up new perspectives.
You can do the same for the people around you. Put on a really positive song when you’re hanging out. Or send them an uplifting playlist for Spotify or a similar service.
2. Just be there for someone.
Listen and provide the optimistic and grounded perspective to someone in your life who needs it.
Initially, I find it best to just let the other person vent, to let him or her bring the issue to light. So I’m just fully there and listening.
This can often be sufficient. Because just by being there, he or she can release the emotional tension, analyze the problem and find a solution or let it go.
If he or she gets stuck in negative thinking or making a mountain out of a molehill, it can be helpful to add your own perspective to ground him or her and help change perspective on the situation.
To show him or her that if you zoom out, it’s not so bad. And together you might be able to find a solution or a first step that he or she can put into action.
3. Take 30-60 seconds to give a sincere compliment.
Think about one thing that makes the other person tick. A small or larger passion. Or something good that people too often take for granted about him or her.
And then give a compliment about it. It often means more than you might suspect.
4. Smile.
A smile puts you and those around you in a better and more relaxed headspace.
It works even if you don’t feel like smiling.
If you want, do a short experiment. Force a smile for 30 seconds or a minute when you’re feeling a little negative and see what happens to your mood.
5. Hide a secret note.
Take 60 seconds out of your day to write and hide a note with a compliment. Or a few words of encouragement. Or make it a thank you note.
Hide it under their pillow, in the lunchbox or wallet or perhaps in the book he or she is currently reading.
6. Help someone relax.
Being busy with work or school can cause a lot of tension and stress over time. And that can certainly get in the way of optimistic and constructive thinking.
So help someone in your life to relax.
Suggest going for a picnic. Just have fun and maybe go for a swim in the nearby lake or ocean. Then lie together in silence on the blanket and watch the clouds pass by for a while.
A break like this can do wonders for the mood and perspective for both of you.
7. Cook or bring their favorite food.
If she’s having a bad day, cook her favorite meal. Or get her favorite takeaway.
Or maybe just a little treat, like a piece of chocolate or the special cupcake she loves most.
8. Hug.
A hug is, perhaps often even more than a smile, something that can make someone feel better and safer. Of course, use it when necessary.
But don’t underestimate its effect and how that little push can turn someone’s thoughts around to something clearer and more positive.
9. Share what you found or created.
It could be delicious fruit you picked. Or the jam, cookies or bread you made. Or fish you smoked or the beef you made into jerky.
Such a simple but loving gift can mean a lot and add positive energy to someone’s entire week or month.
10. Pay it forward.
If someone in your life adds a little optimism and positive energy to your life, don’t just give it back somewhere.
Also pay it on to someone else.
And together build a growing upward spiral of optimism, encouragement and kindness.
