We’ve all had people in our lives who just seem to have a more positive outlook than others. Maybe you’ve described them as having a “sunny disposition.”
Some people just seem to look at the glass half-full all the time, no matter what.
It’s true that some tend to be more optimistic, and it’s often a characteristic that stems from an early age. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to view the world in a positive way, no matter your stage of life. That’s where learned optimism comes in.
Yes, you can change your viewpoint of the world and go from the extreme of learned helplessness to seeing the good in almost every situation. But, what is learned optimism, and how can you embrace it effectively?
Viewing the World Differently
Learned optimism is the process of learning how to view the world with a positive mindset. You can learn to be more optimistic by challenging negative thoughts, banning negative self-talk from your mind, and replacing those things with positivity.
People who are optimistic tend to have better health, a longer lifespan, less stress, and a greater motivation to get things done. No matter your personal motivation for wanting to be more optimistic, you’ll certainly enjoy the benefits that come with it.
But, how can you learn to see the world from a different viewpoint?
Adjusting Your Worldview
There are several methods when it comes to learning optimism, but one of the most popular is the ABCDE model.
This model serves as a “test” to determine how optimistic you already are. When you have that kind of baseline, you can take the right steps forward to turn your pessimism
into something positive. The model includes
- Adversity
- Belief
- Consequence
- Disputation
- Energization
Each piece of the puzzle in the model will lead you to the next piece. It works by breaking down pessimistic thoughts and helping you turn them into something more manageable, so you can change your perspective.
For example, if your adversity is trying to find a new job, your “automatic” belief might be something like, “I’m not good enough to find a solid job. No one will hire me.”
As you move on, you can think about the consequence of that line of thinking. Where has it gotten you before? Did your beliefs yield positive results, or did you have a harder time accomplishing your goals? You might start to realize that your pessimistic beliefs and negative self-talk are what’s been holding you back from reaching those goals.
When you realize that, you can start to dispute your beliefs. Challenge them, and think about the times when those challenges and disputes have made it easier to reach your goals. As you start to overcome your negative thoughts, you’ll experience energization and motivation to keep moving forward.
The Potential Problems With Positivity
As with any learned “skill,” there are potential pitfalls to be aware of. Developing an optimism bias, for example, can lead to risky behaviors and changes to your personality. Seeing that things are generally good and positive isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but assuming that means there are no negativity or consequences in the world can take your thoughts to an unhealthy extreme.
That’s why it’s so important to learn optimism beneficially, with an experienced guide. It’s not about seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. Rather, learned optimism is a way to prevent negative thoughts from controlling your decisions and behaviors while remaining rooted in reality.
Are you interested in learning more about depression treatment and how to start changing the way you view the world? Please feel free to contact me soon for information and initial consultation.
