February 11, 2023,
Are you feeling optimistic about the New Year?
It depends upon what chair you are sitting in.
Progressively.
You have little reason to be optimistic.
You are optimistic.
If you are sitting on a chair in between the two, tape on a sign that states, “Create Optimism”.
In many ways it is up to you. Truly.
In this often volatile world, there are many things out of your control.
For example, as reported by thebulletin.org, a bulletin of Atomic Scientists posted, “This year, the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moves the hands of the Doomsday Clock forward, largely (though not exclusively) because of the mounting dangers of the war in Ukraine. The Clock now stands at 90 seconds to midnight—the closest to global catastrophe it has ever been.”
Now, if there was ever a prognosis to dim optimism, it is that.
Having said that, how much control do any of us have over that?
Most likely very little.
Here is a situation where, in our minds, we have to create optimism.
Since we have little to no control over that and we have leaders in place that are supposed to address and hopefully prevent that, we have to leave that burden upon their shoulders.
Some even pray for a higher power to intervene.
Thus, it is prudent to focus on our own personal situation and the elements of it that we can control.
One of the first steps to create optimism is to think about how you would like the year to go. What is your wish list? It can be to improve something in place or create a new pathway.
Keep thinking about what you can control. Typically that falls into two categories. Things in yourself or life that you can improve. Create a new opportunity for life improvement that you can take steps to move towards.
Focus first on things you can improve.
Can you lose weight? Gain muscle? Cut down on fast foods and sugar?
Can you take the first steps to repair or improve important relationships?
Can you improve your job performance?
Then there are new things you can strive for.
Can you obtain an additional degree?
Save more money for an important financial goal?
By doing both of the above, improving and creating, you will increase optimism towards your new future.
Let’s get some expert opinions. On to the bookstore.
Relentless Optimism: How a Commitment to Positive Thinking Changes Everything (Sports for the Soul) Paperback – July 26, 2017
By Darrin Donnelly (Author)
“Studies prove that positive thinkers are happier, healthier, and more successful than everyone else. Discover the simple, proven techniques for becoming a more positive person…
Positive thinking leads to positive outcomes. Study after study proves this. Researchers have found that optimistic people live longer, live healthier, have more energy, have more successful careers, make better decisions, are more productive, are less stressed, have healthier relationships, and (not surprisingly) are much happier than pessimists.
However, a lot has been misunderstood about what it means to be a positive thinker and what it takes to maintain an optimistic mindset. It takes a lot more than repeating feel-good platitudes to make positive thinking work in your life. It takes discipline, commitment, and a proper understanding of what optimism really means in a world that is constantly throwing new challenges at us.
This is a book for anyone who has ever questioned whether positive thinking really “works.”
It’s also a book for those who have tried to develop a more positive attitude, but have found it difficult to eliminate the voices of fear, doubt, and cynicism.
This is a book for anyone who wants to put optimism to work in their life with practical, proven techniques.
In this inspirational fable, you’ll meet Bobby Kane, a 31-year-old minor league baseball player who realizes his dream of making it to the majors is finally coming to a disappointing end. His dream, he believes, was not meant to be.
That is, until Bobby meets an unconventional manager named Wally Hogan. More mental coach than baseball manager, Wally teaches Bobby that if you want to change your life, you have to first change your thinking.
As you’ll see in this book, developing a positive mindset gives Bobby a renewed chance to make his dreams come true—not just in baseball, but in all areas of his life.
Wally teaches Bobby what it means to be an optimist and what it takes to maintain a positive attitude through the ups and downs of life. He teaches him proven, real-world techniques for building and sustaining optimism. These methods have an immediate impact on Bobby’s life and they will have an immediate impact on yours as well.
This book will show you just how powerful a positive attitude can be and it will teach you how to use positive thinking to make your biggest dreams come true.”
Nothing like advice with a personal touch.
One more, from a different angle.
The Power of Optimism Paperback – May 28, 2021
By The Editors of Meredith (Author)
“Having a positive outlook translates into a happier and healthier life – and it’s not as elusive as you might think.
Though there is evidence that optimism has biological and genetic roots, research has shown that we can shape our attitude to see the best possible outcomes in life, cultivating happiness, gratitude, and resilience while reducing stress and anxiety. And for those who may see the glass as half full, it is possible that pessimistic thinking can actually lead to positive outcomes.
This special issue looks at the benefits of an optimistic mindset in all aspects of life, how to frame everyday thoughts in a favorable light, and how to maximize positive inclinations. Please note that this product is an authorized edition published by the Meredith Corporation and sold by Amazon. This edition is printed using a high quality matte interior paper and printed on demand for immediate fulfillment.”
Wonderful.
Despite what is occurring in the world, can you be optimistic?
Yes, focus on what you can control. Improve. Create.
By doing so, you can be optimistic this New Year, will be a great one.
~ ~ ~
OPENING PHOTO By-El-Nariz-Editorial-use-Shutterstock-photo-credit Femcompetitor.com, grapplingstars.com, fciwomenswrestling.com,
https://www.fciwomenswrestling2.com
https://www.fcielitecompetitor.com/
https://fciwomenswrestling.com/
https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/