When you’re faced with a tough situation, it’s important to remain realistic and positive at the same time. That can get tricky, though. Too much optimism might mean not enough action, and harsh practicality can spoil your sunshine. So, how do you find a balance?
Staying positive in the face of adversity is never easy, and neither is maintaining a solid understanding of what you’re up against when you’d rather pretend everything is fine. Making a plan and gathering resources that support your success can be the best way to balance realism and optimism. Here’s how it all comes together.
Practice Being Sunny (Yet Serious) With This Easy Guide.
Here’s the Situation
You’ve just lost your job. Your significant other broke up with you. Your dog needs an emergency visit to the vet.
How does thinking about these situations make you feel?
Some people may choose to focus on the realities of those situations — the extra money spent or lost, the near-certain sadness — while others might ignore all that in favor of pure faith that things will work out. Those extremes aren’t doing any favors, though. Focusing too much on the sometimes-sobering facts of your situation can make you feel even worse, but disregarding them entirely and not taking action in order to stay positive can cause it to drag on. Instead, work to find a balance.
Working it Out
Taking a hard, honest look at where you are and what you want to achieve while consciously thinking positively is difficult but necessary work. Think about what you want to accomplish and how good you’ll feel when you get there for extra motivation. Then, make a list of the realistic challenges you might be facing and think about strategies for overcoming them.
Maybe you can have a friend look at your cover letters before sending them in, or throw a pizza party fundraiser for those vet bills. Your situation may be difficult, but when you can make a plan and take action to change it, your mood naturally brightens. And when you’re feeling better, you’re more likely to put in the work to live a successful, empowered life.
Why Taking Charge Works
Realistic optimism allows you to take control of seemingly chaotic situations. When you have a strong plan and all the resources you need to succeed, it’s easier than ever to remain positive. In addition to boosting your mood, making a plan also ensures that you won’t ignore reality and let things get worse. Instead, you’ll be taking small but important steps that take you closer to your goal — and you ideal state of mind.
~Here’s to Your Success
