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The optimists also tend to be more persuasive and have happier marriages.
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One study of 1,000 Harvard MBA graduates over the course of 20 years found that optimists were 24 percent more likely to be successful in business than those who were not. Over the course of their careers, optimistic employees make more money and are more likely to be promoted. Optimists also reported stressing about finances 145 fewer days in a year than pessimists. Researchers found that optimists have better financial health and engage in healthier money habits than pessimists. Optimistic people are not only happier but also more successful in their careers. Optimism also motivates us to push through the dark times and work harder toward our dreams - a quality called grit. They live longer, get sick less often, and get better faster when they do get sick. The researchers found that optimists are healthier than pessimists. Elissa Epel followed more than 19,000 men and women for more than 20 years. In the largest study of its kind, researchers at Harvard University led by Dr. Optimism is good for our wellbeing, as long as we do not get too optimistic. The more optimistic people are less likely to suffer from heart attacks and strokes, or die from cardiovascular diseases. Thanks to their studies, we’ve learned that being optimistic can help us become happier, healthier, and even wealthier.
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Researchers have spent years investigating positive emotions and optimistic attitudes. It can help you cope better with everyday stress, exercise regularly, eat healthfully, avoid harmful habits like smoking, improve your sleep, and boost your energy. Optimism is a key ingredient of wellbeing, and the more optimistic one is, the healthier they tend to be. Positive psychologists use the term Subjective Well-Being (SWB) to define happiness - as a mix of both hedonia (positive feelings) and eudaimonia (life satisfaction). As well, you can be pessimistic about the future but still enjoy the present moment. Happiness is mostly a present positive state of mind.Įven if you are unhappy now, you can be optimistic about the future. Optimism is a positive (“optimistic”) view of the future grounded in a realistic evaluation of today. Though optimism and happiness seem like close cousins, they are quite different. Optimistic people also have greater self-esteem, social support networks based on trust and optimism for the future.īut, is optimism always the great motivator that we think it is? Optimism And Happiness Those who expect good things will happen, tend to have more energy and vitality, and less depression, anxiety, and anger. People with an optimistic view seem to have better mental health than those who are pessimistic. As an optimist, you believe situations will turn out alright, and there are always new opportunities waiting for you around the corner. Optimism is much like hope, but they aren’t the same.īeing optimistic is thinking about your life and looking at the world in rose-colored, bright tones. Optimism is the mental outlook that things are going to work out fine. Optimism is one of the most powerful forces to keep people motivated, but there are many risks involved when it becomes overoptimism.
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