Stop Being A Reactionist, and Empower Yourself By Projecting Positivity

It’s Hump Day again and with every passing week we draw closer to the end of 2015. In fact, next week is the Thanksgiving holiday where we join our loved ones, friends, and co-workers for in giving thanks for the state of our lives. It’s a great time of year filled with food and festivity, but what we may not realize is that we should be thankful everyday.

However, maintaining a positive outlook amid the stress of everyday life is more easily said than done. Nonetheless, being mindful of your behavior and making a conscious choice to remain positive in the face of adversity can give us greater strength than we imagine.

*Studies conducted by American psychologist Dr. Martin “Marty” Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania have revealed that there are,

…Much higher rates of depression in people who pessimistically attribute their failures to personal deficits. Optimists, however, treat failure as a learning experience and believe they can do better in the future.

Similar studies were conducted by the Mayo Clinic which found that, “…Optimists have lower levels of cardiovascular disease and longer life-spans.” These are only a few of the studies conducted on happiness and state of mind, but you can already begin to understand the lifetime of health complications you’re setting yourself up for by having a poor outlook on life.

It won’t come easy at first, but try something as simple as keeping a gentle smile on your face as you go about your day. You’ll potentially spread the positive vibes to others and in turn feed off of their positive response in a sort of synergistic manner.

Another tip is to keep a mirror in your office so that you can see your reaction the next time you’re given a tough assignment or forced to make a last minute deadline. Chances are you’re less likely to remain upset when viewing the level of discomfort displayed in your own appearance.

If neither of these is enough to convince you, just recall the studies conducted and at least put in the effort for the sake of your health. In the famous words of statesman Winston Churchill that, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”