We all know that optimists and pessimists approach life differently.

Let’s look at 7 specific things that optimists do differently:.

1. They avoid trying to control things they cannot control.

Things like the weather, the stock market, gas prices, what other people say or do don’t bother optimists because they know those things are beyond their control. In fact, optimists realize that they only control three things: what they think, what they say, and what they do.

2. They don’t believe there is ever failure, only feedback.

When Thomas Edison was trying to invent the light bulb, history says he “failed” one thousand times. Someone asked him how he kept going after failing that many times. He responded, “I did not fail 1,000 times. I actually succeeded in finding 1,000 ways that did not work.”

As Winston Churchill said: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

3. They’re flexible.

 As Jane Krakowski said, “You can have a plan, but you have to be flexible. Every day is unpredictable, and you just have to go with the flow.”

Plans change? Awesome — an excuse for a new adventure! Being an optimist is all about your perspective. If you think that a change in plans means the day is ruined, then it is. But if you embrace unforeseen circumstances and roll with the punches, then you open yourself up to a slew of new, even better, experiences.

4. They use a positive language.

Instead of saying, “I have a problem”, optimists say “I have an opportunity.” Instead of “I should have”, optimists say “next time”; instead of saying “If I” optimists say “When I”. 

Application: Make it a habit to use positive words and phrases. There is a big  difference between: “I don’t know how it works” and “I will learn how to make that work.” You get an immediate emotional surge by doing so.

5. They count their blessings.

As Max Lucado said, “Gratitude lifts our eyes off things we lack so that we might see the things we possess.”

When you’re reflecting on all the great things in your life, it leaves very little room to dwell on the bad stuff.

Application: Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things from your day for which you are grateful.

As Willie Nelson said, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole world turned around.”

6. They leave the past behind.

Instead of being consumed by past disappointments, optimists look to the future. As the Apostle Paul said: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (Colossians 3:13)

Application: Take a deep breath and refuse to be a prisoner of your past..

7. They go all in on in the present.

Optimists fully embrace the moment and the place they’re in.

This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) 

For example, they smile, sing in the shower, hold their head high and are consistently open to new opportunities to make it  a fun day. 

So, be a pessimist or be an optimist. Your choice.

It’s your turn now…I would love to hear from YOU. 

Which point mentioned above resonated with you most today? Why?

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