The glass is half full...

THE power of optimism and positive thinking over people's lives is awesome. It is not mere blind faith. Optimists face all aspects of life good or bad, better than pessimists, often achieving more and enjoying greater social success. They are also less susceptible to depression and physical ills.

Optimism is a positive way of explaining and dealing with setbacks. The pessimist believes that adversity stems from permanent conditions and good events from temporary ones. The optimists however attribute failure to temporary causes and favourable situations to enduring ones. Developing a sense of optimism will do more for your career advancement than any powerful well-wishers. Start considering these ideas to help you stretch and build your `optimism' muscles.

Develop realistic expectations

Face every situation expecting to get positive results. If you expect to win, your chances of getting what you want will greatly increase. But taking this concept too far can backfire.

Challenge negative thoughts

Be accurate in self-appraisal. Imagine the worst-case scenario, but then picture the best too. Think of failure as the result of a faulty strategy, not some character flaw. Then instead of feeling helpless, you can take action to rectify the situation.

Rehearse being a winner

People who imagine themselves succeeding outperform those who expect to fail. By the time you face the real challenge, your mental rehearsals will have given you confidence and will power.

Give yourself credit

Acknowledge past successes. Believe the good things that happen to you are a result of your own efforts. Celebrate your achievements.

Passion: the bottom line.

While succeeding financially is a goal toward which most of us strive, it will be a lot easier to maintain your sense of optimism if you're pursuing a line of work (and play) that truly excites you.

Set real goals.

One of the worst things you can do is pursuing a goal you have practically no chance of achieving. The answer lies in setting your sights on something that will challenge and stretch your abilities but not overwhelm you. Also, break your big goals into small, manageable chunks, and make sure your short-term activities support your long-range plans. With each interim goal you reach you'll see progress. You will feel energised and excited about what is to come. And that is the mark and the power of an optimist.

TINA JACOB

tinamariamjacob@yahoo.co.in