When it comes to achieving a successful career and fulfilling personal life, optimism holds the key. Being optimistic – or going through life with a “glass half full” mentality - is attributed to many good outcomes, from higher pay to increased physical health. No wonder so many people want to adopt a more positive outlook! If you’re interested in becoming a more positive person, you’ll want to start by fine-tuning a few daily habits. Here are 3 ways positive people maintain their attitudes!
Optimists spend time with other optimists.
You’ve heard that “you are who you hang out with.” When it comes to maintaining a sunny outlook, this couldn’t be more true. The more positive your environment is, the more positive you will feel, too. In fact, according to one yearlong study of more than 100 college-age couples at the University of Oregon, positive thinkers and their partners reported greater satisfaction in their relationships than optimist-free pairs did. These benefits apply to any kind of relationship – even those you have with your co-workers.
Optimists don’t hold grudges.
Holding on to a grudge is an easy way to give in to negativity. Constantly ruminating on a crummy situation in your past will only make it harder to see the brighter side of life. Although it may be easier said than done, learning to forgive certain people in your life or past circumstances is a great way to begin leading a more positive lifestyle. As David Mezzapelle, author of Contagious Optimism, says, you should “make peace with your past so that it won’t spoil the present.”
Optimists find new ways to use their strengths.
Everyone falls into ruts now and then – but optimists know how to minimize them by always looking for new and exciting ways to use their strengths. Many optimists are creative and find ways to share their creativity or unique skill sets with others, often by volunteering or trying something new. Try writing down your top five strengths, and then use one of these strengths in a different way every day for one week. According to one study, doing so may increase your happiness for a full six months afterward.
Staying on top of your personal and professional life can be a challenge. At Oxford at Estonia Apartments in San Antonio, Texas, we hope to make your daily routine a bit easier with tips and tricks that can be applied to every aspect of life.