Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

When you have a setback (like negative feedback on a project) which of the following do you say to yourself?

1. The expectations weren't clear, I will do better on the next project.
2. I am always screwing things up, I'll never get it right.

When something goes well for you (you did well on a project) which of the following best describes what you say to yourself?

1. I am smart and talented and always do well at the things I try.
2. I got lucky this time, besides it was an easy project.

Optimists view setbacks as temporary, specific to the immediate situation, and due to external causes.   Pessimists view setbacks as permanent, generalized to their whole life, and due to internal causes.

Optimists view good events as permanent, generalized to their whole life, and due to internal causes.  Pessimists view good events as temporary, specific to the immediate situation, and due to external causes. 

If you answered number 1 in the above questions, you are likely an optimist.  If you answered number 2, you are likely more of a pessimist.

Take a look at these benefits of optimism and positive thinking:

• improve mood, self-esteem, and overall happiness
• decrease depression, anxiety, and hostility
• lessen pain
• speed recovery from surgery
• enhance immune function
• increase longevity
• improve performance and productivity
• reduce stress

Whether you are an optimist or a pessimist, you might want to begin paying close attention to your self-talk.  Awareness is the first step in changing your self-talk from negative ot positive.  Even optimists engage in negative self-talk from time to time.  Affirmations are a great way to help you stay focused on the positive.  ipopins make affirmations fun and easy to use.  Listen to your ipopins anytime... even when you are on the go!  Change your mind... change your life... one minute at a time!

When you have a setback (like negative feedback on a project) which of the following do you say to yourself?

1. The expectations weren't clear, I will do better on the next project.
2. I am always screwing things up, I'll never get it right.

When something goes well for you (you did well on a project) which of the following best describes what you say to yourself?

1. I am smart and talented and always do well at the things I try.
2. I got lucky this time, besides it was an easy project.

Optimists view setbacks as temporary, specific to the immediate situation, and due to external causes.   Pessimists view setbacks as permanent, generalized to their whole life, and due to internal causes.

Optimists view good events as permanent, generalized to their whole life, and due to internal causes.  Pessimists view good events as temporary, specific to the immediate situation, and due to external causes. 

If you answered number 1 in the above questions, you are likely an optimist.  If you answered number 2, you are likely more of a pessimist.

Take a look at these benefits of optimism and positive thinking:

• improve mood, self-esteem, and overall happiness
• decrease depression, anxiety, and hostility
• lessen pain
• speed recovery from surgery
• enhance immune function
• increase longevity
• improve performance and productivity
• reduce stress

Whether you are an optimist or a pessimist, you might want to begin paying close attention to your self-talk.  Awareness is the first step in changing your self-talk from negative ot positive.  Even optimists engage in negative self-talk from time to time.  Affirmations are a great way to help you stay focused on the positive.  ipopins make affirmations fun and easy to use.  Listen to your ipopins anytime... even when you are on the go!  Change your mind... change your life... one minute at a time!