There is such a thing as “Learned Optimism”. Many people think you are either born positive or are optimistic by temperment, but the fact is that optimism is a way of thinking that can be learned. This isn’t a new idea, biblical scripture tells us to “think on things that are pure, righteous, good…” and to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”, and many more concepts and principles along these lines. Unfortunately, many of us shut down and revert to pessimistic negative thinking when in the midst of problems. This effectively focuses us on the problem, but usually keep us from looking at potential solutions and opportunities. We allow the problem to become such a focus in our life that we become tunnel visioned, nurturing the excuses and circumstances that will keep us mired in our current situations.
Solutions call for outside-the-box thinking, negativity shuts that down. Knowing that a person can learn to think positively and optimistically is little guidance when faced with difficulty and real-life challenges.
Here are some ideas about how to shake off the blues and to focus on possibilities:
1. Think Spiritually – Knowing God has a plan and purpose for your life can help to shake lose the “why me” thinking and start up the “What’s God’s Plan” thinking that could reshape and reinvigorate your life.
2. Dream and brainstorm solutions with someone not tied to your problem. Brainstorming is great, dreaming is great, but often when done in isolation we can easily shut down the process before it begins. We need a second party to help us think outside the box. We all edit ourselves but negativity magnifies the editing process. ”I can’t afford it”, “I can’t do that”, I don’t have the education”, “my family wouldn’t like that” are all excuses that stop the brainstorming process. Find someone who won’t put up with those excuses and get started dreaming.
3. Make thinking positive a routine. Negative thinking is so ingrained in our minds that we don’t even realize we are doing it. You need to find a way to make thinking positive a part of your system. Positive affirmations, scriptures, quotes, books, are just a few ways to make it a routine.
4. Become a Student. Read books about positive thinking. I know the wrap against “positive thinking” and I don’t buy it. I’m not suggesting living in a fantasy world, I’m suggesting rigorously deciding to stay on the offensive. Don’t shrink back from life because you’ve got serious challenges in life. Many of our graduates and success stories at the Tacoma Rescue Mission will tell you that they had to stop thinking negative, blaming others for their problems and get busy living a positive purpose for the Lord.
Give me some of your ideas on how to learn to be optimistic.
DC
