3 Ways to be Optimistic Every Day

As Helen Keller famously said:

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

Her words couldn’t be more true. If we want to achieve our goals, make a difference, and ultimately live fulfilling lives, we need an optimistic attitude. A belief in ourselves, and a positive disposition are essential.

But as many of you can relate, optimism doesn’t always come easy. Between life’s challenges, and the limiting beliefs we get stuck in, it can be hard to just snap into a sunnier outlook.

Here are 3 key ways to be optimistic, every day. There are game changers that when adopted, can lead to a greater feeling of ease and flow.

Focus on gratitude.

At times, all we want to do is to feel sorry for ourselves and curse the universe for working against us. We face a challenge, get bad news, or don’t get the result we were striving for.

But I would challenge you to stop and ask yourself what you are really grateful for. Do you have a loving and supportive family? Is there a roof over your head and food on the table? Do you have certain skills and talents that make you unique?

By focusing on the things (especially intangible things!) that you DO have and do appreciate, you can begin to shift your mindset.

If you’re in a rut and finding it hard to be grateful, what about smaller things? Are you grateful to the person who held the door for you when you were rushing to an important meeting? What about the fact that today is a Saturday and you were able to sleep in and get some much-needed rest?

By looking for the good elements, you may be surprised at how many there are. Check out my post 5 Easy Ways to Practice Gratitude Every Day for more inspiration.

Get moving.

Going for a walk, to the gym, or to run some errands can really boost your mood by increasing your energy. Fresh air can work wonders and being active and productive is great for your mental health.

If you want to take your excursion to the next level, listen to upbeat music, reward yourself with a delicious latte at the end of your walk, or challenge yourself to discover a new area of town. These things can all make the experience even more enjoyable.

Need motivation to work out? My post The Best Workout Motivation: 5 Ways to Get Moving has you covered.

Smile.

I won’t bore you with the science behind it, but smiling can actually trick your brain into thinking you are already happy, and thus making you feel happy!

Pick up the phone with a smile on your face, walk into a party with a happy disposition, and greet your friends with joy. These things will not only make you feel happier, you will set the stage for a pleasant and positive interaction. You can even try this trick when you’re alone: visualize a happy time, place, or moment, and allow those good feelings to flow over you so that you get into that positive mindset.

I hope those tips help! Did any of them resonate with you? Let me know what you do to increase your optimism.

And check out my post 10 Totally Doable Ways to Cheer Yourself Up for more tips.