I love the book, Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life
The book starts with a very simple message - There are two ways of looking at life. We either imagine the worst or we can visualise a great outcome. We're faced with this choice of perspective mutliple times throughout the day, starting from the moment we wake up. Will today be a good day or a bad one?
I'm a confirmed optimist. I can always see the positive opportunities in any situation. And yes, sometimes that can be annoying to my family and friends, but I'm OK with that too.
Now, this doesn't mean that I'm just light, fluffy and being blind to the realities of life. No, not at all, because I'm also a realist. It just so happens that I believe that an optismistic present and future is a realistic outcome to expect if I am willing to put in the necessary effort to achieve it.
It starts with attitude and is folllowed up by action - both of which need to be positive. I believe I've learned how to do this throughout my life and I continue to get even better at it, with even better results. For me, I've learned optimism. Can you?
Coaching Exercises
1. In your own words, define what optimism means to you.
2. What is the purpose of optimism? Are there any drawbacks?
3. When you are around someone who is optimistic and positive, what imact does that have on you?
4. When you are optimistic and positive, do you notice an impact on those around you?
5. If you would describe yourself as more pessimistic than optimistic, what has been behind that general choice of perspective for you?
6. What do you think might be diferent for you if you learned to be more optimistic?
As always, if you need any support with, or as a result of this exercise please consider www.askacoach.com for email and/or phone coaching.
All the best,
Noel
Noel Posus - Master Coach
www.askacoach.com
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