A Vote for Optimism


Watching the London Olympics this weekend brought back many fond memories of my sport psychology work with many summer and winter Olympic athletes decades ago.  I am reminded that at that level of competition, what separates the medalists from those close behind is one’s mental attitude… in the face of adversity. It’s called “mental training.”  Not only does mental training include meditation (increased focus and concentration), mental rehearsal; mental imagery and visualization, Team dynamics and confidence building, but also a heavy dose of optimism. Perhaps it’s no secret that these same attributes are necessary for each and every one of us, whether we are headed for Olympic competition, or headed to work on Monday morning. Research reveals that an optimistic attitude is also good for the immune system. Optimism isn’t a denial of reality. It’s the fulfillment of your highest potential.
Stress Tip for the Day:
Optimism is more than silver linings and lemonade. It’s a knowing that in the end, it will all work out wonderfully. But our positive attitude is what gets us there. Make a habit of looking for the good in things today.  While you are at it, look for the good in each person as well. When you see/meet someone whom you meet resistance with, have compassion that the dark cloud over their head has momentarily eclipised their light within.
Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:
Here is a great article on the topic of Optimism from TIME magazine 2011:
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2074067,00.html
 
Quotes for the Day:
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” —Winston Churchill
“Choose to be optimistic; it feels better.” —The 14 Dalai Lama
Photo for the Day:
Hot off his victory in the 400 meter IM, Ryan Lochte is the new poster boy for optimism; a reminder for all of us to strive for our highest potential. Go Ryan!
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 12 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the newly released, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
Brian Luke Seaward

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