The Importance of Optimism During Challenging Times

Posted by Calling All Optimists on May 21, 2020

While we are all experiencing a global pandemic together, we are  handling this challenging time differently. We know that it can be difficult to stay motivated in quarantine, but that doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about your dream future. Right now, more than ever, it’s important to embrace a positive mindset as much as you can.

The benefits of a positive mindset

Having a positive mindset is scientifically proven to boost happiness and motivate you to achieve your goals. If you’re actively working to recognize the positive aspects of your life, you’ll naturally start to see silver linings in challenging situations. Health benefits of positive thinking and optimism include reduced stress, better psychological and physical well-being, and better coping skills during stressful times. 

As Winston Churchill once said, “Optimists see opportunities in every difficulty.” Even though roadblocks may be getting in your way, it’s important to remember that optimists are creative thinkers who can recover from setbacks. Channel your energy into positive thinking and let yourself continue to dream big. 

How can you achieve a positive mindset?

Keep a gratitude journal.

If you’re feeling down, unmotivated, or unsure about your future, take some time to think about all the good things in your life. What are you grateful for? What inspires you? What makes you happy? Start a gratitude journal. Take 15 minutes each day to write down one to five things for which you feel grateful. 

Remember past triumphs.

Think about an obstacle you recently overcame, focusing on your strengths and the qualities that helped you through that difficult time. You can do it again! Optimists know they will recover from setbacks if they stay positive. 

Dream big and plan for the future you want.

Take a moment to envision your ideal future. Physically write down what this looks like. Imagining your future can actually boost your levels of optimism. Thinking about the big picture helps you stay on track and prevent pessimism from taking over. You can access our career planning guide to help you draft your vision and start taking steps toward a happier life.

Overall, a positive mindset is important for your health, happiness, and future. Use your optimism to take action and to grow, plan, and prepare for a brighter future. Even though this pandemic has impacted all our usual routines and plans, there will always be opportunities for you out there. While they may be a little harder to find right now, you just have to encourage yourself to look for them. Remember, even if life seems out of control, you can still take control of your path to success.