Optimism: A Key Ingredient to Happiness Article by Dr. Karen Reivich
Optimism is the belief that things will turn out well. It is the expectation
that good things will come your way and that you have the ability to control the
direction of your life.
When something bad happens, optimistic thinkers believe that what caused the
problem can be fixed and won’t affect every aspect of their life. Pessimistic
thinkers believe that they are the sole cause of their problems, that they will
last forever, and that they will affect every aspect of their lives.
Fortunately, pessimistic thinking can be replaced with optimistic thinking. You
and your children can learn to think optimistically, which is important because
optimism is a significant determinant of physical and mental health, academic
and work success, and overall happiness.
Psychologists have long been interested in optimism, and have a good
understanding of what it is and why it matters. Studies show that people who
think optimistically are healthier and more productive at school and work than
people who think pessimistically.
We know that optimism is a necessary ingredient of resilience. Research shows
that part of what enables people to thrive, despite setback, failure, and
hardship, is the ability to think optimistically in the face of adversity.
Optimistic thinking motivates people - adults and children - to continue to
persist and to work to find solutions, even when situations look bleak.
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. --Chinese Proverb