Let's say you've placed second in a weight loss competition, will you be happy and try to do better the next time or will you be disheartened and make an excuse not to do it at the next opportunity?



In your lifetime, you're given many choices. You can opt to go the way of a pessimist and have a life filled with defeat or you can take the high road of an optimist and have a life filled with challenges and fulfillment.

So what are good reasons to nurture an optimist's viewpoint? And what are the reasons to make changes now?

Studies have shown that optimism goes hand-in-hand with moods that are positive as well as excellent morale. This applies to academics, occupations, athletics, politics, military success, good health, popularity and even to injury avoidance and longevity.

On the opposite side, pessimism and depression rates are at an all time high. Depression affects age groups from middle aged folks to teenagers. The age when depression first shows up has dropped from 30 to 15. Depression is not just a middle age disorder any longer but has become a disorder which affects teens too.

What does research show is the payoff to being an optimist?

The typical optimist's expectation is for only the best to happen. Pessimists usually expect events which are bad to last a long duration as well as to weaken everything they may do. They tend to blame themselves for these bad events.

The same bad luck events of the world face the optimists as well. The difference is their explanation of the misfortune...it's always 180 degrees different from a pessimist. Optimists believe any defeat is only a minor set back and whatever the cause it's a one-time case.

As well, optimists will focus on a plan for the current "problem" by utilizing a technique called "positive re-interpretation". Using this, they will re-interpret something negative in such a way so as to provide a learning and growing experience. Optimists are unbothered by negative happenings, seeing them as challenges and opportunities to try even harder.

The optimist will not utter stuff like: "Things won't get better"; "Since I failed one time, I will fail again"; and "If something bad happened in one segment of my life, it will carry through into my total life."

Optimists' positive expectations also provide smooth transitions to new situations, unexpected tragedy and sudden turns in events. An optimist will stand up if they fall and keep going. Obstacles become opportunities.

Optimists usually draw positive responses from people.

Optimists don't need others as much to stay happy. They are more independent. They don't need to manipulate or control people. People are usually drawn to them. An optimist's view of everything is contagious and can influence all those around them.

Optimism is a desirable social trait in every community. Optimists who share their traits are greatly accepted whereas those that spread panic, gloom, and hysteria are mis-treated and disliked.

In today's world, optimists are those that will win an election; win congeniality votes and be sought after for personal advice.

When and if the going starts getting tough, the optimist will get even tougher.

Optimists maintain a much higher level of well-being during stressful times than people that are not as optimistic. To contrast, a pessimist is more likely to deny that the stressful event even exists or try to avoid dealing with the problem entirely. A pessimist is most likely to stop trying when any difficult situation arises.

An optimist perseveres and doesn't give in easily...they are known for an abundance of patience. They inch towards their goals and dreams one step at a time.

Optimists live longer and enjoy better health

Medical researchers have shown that a positive attitude and outlook as well as elementary pleasures can bring about measurable increases in the ability of one's body to attack diseases.

An optimist's health is uncommonly good. The aging process is kind to them...keeping them freer than most from the typical negative ills that come with middle age. And the bonus is to outlive the ones prone to negativity.

So the question is, "Why would you not be an optimist right now?" Start thinking positively while obtaining a more satisfying and fulfilling life.

Find success in all your accomplishments. Be more resilient. When you hit a low spot sometimes, don't stay down. Lift yourself up and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And you may want to inspire negative folks to take off their dark glasses so they can see the bright side of life.