Before entering the workforce, it is common for young people to study calculus and other higher academic subjects. While there is no doubt that training in such fields is valuable, it is also very important that young workers learn the idea of optimism. It can definitely be very beneficial for an individual to know what it is that actually motivates people to give their best in whatever they do. When you start to figure it out, it will be easier for you to apply it in your own life by finding your ultimate motivation. Optimism has been considered as one of the most powerful and effective tools for improving a person’s life and giving him a huge advantage in his career. In short, there is just a lot that you can gain by being optimistic.
Optimism and Leadership
Optimism plays a crucial role in making leaders effective in running their organizations. Great leaders have something in them that helps transform their workers or constituents. They have a unique ability to convince other people that they can perform at a level they never thought they could. Their optimism allows other people to overcome their being stuck. In fact, a number of studies show that people consider their leaders’ optimism as their assurance that they also have what it takes to attain positive and great results. Their leader’s attitude passes on them a lot of energy to be productive and successful.
Optimism and Relationships
It is undeniable how optimism allows a person to enjoy a healthy relationship. When you get into a relationship, you should be ready and willing to accept the weaknesses and shortcomings of your loved one. There will also be a lot of adjustments that you have to do to make things work between you and your partner. In short, being in a relationship comes with many challenges and difficulties, which can easily get overwhelming if you don’t know how to look at things in a more positive point of view. But when you are optimistic, you can hang on to that belief that there is always a good side in everything, and this will propel you to hang on and try harder to make things alright.
Optimism – Where does it come from?
The question now is where optimism could come from. Is this something a person can learn? Or is it something people are naturally born with? Many people are lucky enough to be naturally optimistic. This shouldn’t sound discouraging for those who are not innately optimistic because optimism is a kind of attitude that you anyone can learn and enhance.
Here are some tips you can follow when you’re ready to live a life of optimism:
1. Stay away from negative company. If you think there’s no way you can avoid being in a negative environment, then try even harder to surround yourself more with optimistic people. In the workplace, this could even mean you having to mingle with people in different departments. If this is what it takes, then do it. Never spend a lot of time with a professional complainer.
2. Appreciate your good traits and skills. The easiest way to achieve happiness and fulfillment is to celebrate the positive qualities that you have, rather than to criticize yourself for your weaknesses and shortcomings. Know what you do well and focus on it. It would be ideal if you could also aim to enhance these special skills that you’ve got.
3. Don’t ignore your emotional and spiritual well-being. Spend time reading motivational materials from time to time. We all find inspiration in many different ways. Some of us like reading quotations, while others enjoy listening to music or even reading successful people’s biographies. Decide what could work best for you and make it a habit to get inspiration through it.
4. Accept the things you cannot change. There will be challenges to come your way, for sure. But when you are faced with turmoil or disappointments, figure out what aspects of it you can change and what you cannot. Keep in mind that while we can’t be in control of what’s happening around us, we can certainly control what’s happening within us.
5. Don’t just focus on yourself. One way to keep you going is to take a look and time to appreciate the things and people around you. Focusing too much on yourself can easily make you feel miserable. Enjoy the relationships you have and look back at your achievements and feel proud of yourself.
6. Be more spontaneous. It is good to have plans and to stick to them. However, spending all of your time on your career management won’t help you get satisfaction from your career only. Take a walk with your kids or go somewhere over the weekend for a quick break. Giving your mind and body a rest is an essential step for you to maintain your positive outlook in life.
Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Centre, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States and Europe.