Act Happy Week, Day 4: Act Like an Optimist

Published: Thu, 03/24/16

 
 
March 24, 2016
 

The focus of Act Happy Week is to educate the public about purposeful actions you can take to create chemical shifts in your body that drive Positive Emotions. Here is today’s exercise:

optimism
Day 4: Act Like an Optimist

Pessimists look to the future and expect things to go wrong, while Optimists look to the future and expect things to go well.

Who’s right? Of course, they both are. The world will show up tomorrow with awe-inspiring events, brilliant moments of peace and joy… AND in some places terrible things will happen to good people and people will have reason to cry.

Remember that the media feed you the bad stuff and never point out that most of the planet is at peace and that, despite hardships, most people, most of the time, feel hopeful about tomorrow.

To act like an optimist:

Respond positively to questions. When people ask how you are, reply, “Fabulous!” or “I’m quite well, thank you!” or even, “I’m happy!” Notice how your mood will shift upward.

Seek the better explanation. For example, if the sky is grey and overcast, remember that means you’ll have access to more fresh water soon.

There’s always tomorrow. Little Orphan Annie reminds us that no matter the troubles today, tomorrow will be better. Remember that especially when you eat the last bit of dark chocolate in the house. Tomorrow, you can find more.

In the Workplace

People look to their leaders for signals about the future. Watch the words you use, and strive to describe a vision for your team or company that is inclusive, engaging, and hopeful. In crisis, be realistic about the troubles yet remind people that “we will get through this.”

Remember: Leadership is not about a title – anyone can be a leader who inspires others through their words.

 
The Executive Happiness Coach®
 

Jim Smith, The Executive Happiness Coach(R)The Executive Happiness Coach® is a global provider of Executive Coaching and culture change. With clients in 27 countries and six continents, Jim's passion is to help build a Happier world and workplace, one Leader at a time.

Want more Happiness, Leadership, and Coaching conversations in your life? Contact me today.

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Happiness is a decision, not an event.
How will YOU decide today?
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