By definition, an optimist tends to be confident and hopeful about the future. A pessimist generally sees the worst aspect of things. This is a difference in attitude and general life perspective. Optimists are generally more successful in life, and studies have shown they live longer too.
These comparisons of attitude illustrate why:
Optimist:
- Believes their actions can affect their life
- Works harder and longer to solve problems or complete tasks
- Expect to succeed
Pessimist:
- Feels powerless to improve their life situation
- Don’t try very hard and give up quickly
- Expect failure
If you identify with the pessimist, don’t despair and give up! Labels can be changed, just as attitudes can change.
Here are a few thoughts to become an optimist:
- Everything is easier when we take it one step at a time.
- Take one positive thing and celebrate it. Just one tiny success should be recognized and rewarded.
- Ignore the disappointments of the day and focus on the success.
Focus your energy and attention on the successes and let go of the disappointments.
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill