Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Frost Bank, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I strongly believe that the energy you radiate to the world returns to you. I want to be surrounded with happiness, love, and positive energy, don’t you? If you spend your time and energy worrying, doubting, and focusing on what’s wrong, it’s time to shift your mindset. Being an optimist can not only make you a happier person, but also help you become more financially secure. In fact, optimism can change your life in more ways than you realize.
People say happiness is choice—that is, how you choose to feel about and deal with situations can dictate your happiness. Sometimes you may feel that nothing is going your way. But what if you continued to look on the bright side in spite of a rough spot? I have learned from experience that letting your circumstances rule your decision making is one of the worst things you can do.
While negative thinking can lead to anxiety and the avoidance of problems, remaining optimistic helps you roll with the punches and not allow minor setbacks to derail your progress. A new study from Frost Bank helps you understand how optimism can affect your life in an overarching way, will help eliminate pessimism from your life.
“Optimism is not naïve happiness, rosy thinking based on denial. It’s just the opposite. It’s a mindset of determination in the face of adversity and the belief that a positive solution is possible with the right approach.”
How Optimism Helps Your Life
Make Career Moves
If you love your job, you are probably in the minority these days. Studies have shown that most Americans aren’t happy with their current employer or employment status. However, this doesn’t mean your future is doomed. Believing that you are “stuck” in your current situation is the exact mindset that will keep you there. Optimism doesn’t let your current situation dictate your future. Make a plan to get the job you want and then keep a positive outlook by believing that the right opportunity is out there waiting for you. Even if that opportunity doesn’t come along right away, try not to become discouraged. Remaining hopeful and optimistic will help you to be a happier person while you wait for it to show up.
Financial Happiness
When you are financially secure, your relationship with money is generally a positive one. But even if you aren’t balling, don’t let a lack of funds negatively influence your financial situation. Most people don’t start out wealthy, but those who are well-off more than likely started with an optimistic view about their finances. Psychologist Michelle Gielan, on behalf of Frost Bank, found that optimists are more likely to meet their financial goals and achieve seven times better overall financial health than pessimists.
Get Personal
We all have that friend who always complains. He or she is affected by every circumstance, no matter how big or small. You may not realize it, but all that negativity can really bring you down. Maintaining friendships with people who support you and have optimistic views on life themselves will only lift you up and help you succeed. Plus, these relationships are likely strong and deep, which only adds to your overall well-being.
“Seek progress, not perfection!”
How to Be More Optimistic
Being optimistic may not be something you can change overnight. Shifting your mindset can take time and practice, but there are ways to help push out the pessimism and let in the good vibes. Here are a few tips:
- Surround yourself with positive people. Take an inventory of your relationships to see who lifts you up and who brings you down and separate yourself from the negativity.
- Read books to reinforce your optimism. If you find yourself thinking negatively all the time, add some positive reading material to your routine. I’m currently reading 10% Happier by Dan Harris.
- Challenge yourself to be more positive. Make positive thinking a habit and join Frost Bank’s 30-Day Optimism Challenge. Every day you will receive a task to help reinforce your optimism.
Every day I am learning to be optimistic, and the results are clear. At one point during my blogging career, I wanted to give up. My readership was stagnant and I wasn’t making much money, and as a result I didn’t put much positive energy into the site. My husband reminded me to look at the overarching picture and my overall progress. I soon vowed that my circumstances at the time weren’t going to prevent me from accomplishing my goal of having a successful blog. I got to work, believed in myself and the possibilities that awaited, refused to think negatively…and my business has been thriving ever since.
To read on about optimism, check out Frost mission and the research here to learn more about optimism and financial health.
How has optimism helped you succeed? Share your story in the comments below!
Stay fabulous,
One comment
This post is so informative and helpful… It truly makes you feel better just by reading it. It makes you realize how important your thought process is in your life and how it makes a difference in your progress. Every one should read this post… It is extremely well written!