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Optimism-------The Secret to Living a Longer, Happier Life?

By
Real Estate Agent with Metro Brokers/GMAC

 The other day I was thinking to myself about how some people no matter how difficult life is they seem to always remain positive, cheerful, and optimistic. 

I bet secretly when no one is looking and something goes wrong they go home and kick the dog right between the eyes.  Poor thing! 

Could optimism be the secret to living a longer, happier life?  I'm sure there has been some studies on this subject.  Does this just happen to some folks or have they been taught how to be more optimistic?  I believe that you can teach yourself to be.  I have taken these six items below and printed them out.  I stuck them on the wall in my office where I have to read them every day.  Being a realtor can drive you nuts with the ups & downs that happen on a weekly basis (sometimes daily) so hopefully this will help one of you out their that reads this.

We definitely don't want to kill the dog! :)

1.   Be A Good Role Model:  When you act as a role model for your co-workers, employees, family, and friends, you'll become more  optimistic.

2.   Focus on The Solutions:  When a difficult problem comes up, focus on the solution (not the problem), and put it into action.

3.   Use Positive Language:  Use upbeat words: challenge, success, opportunity, can do, solution.

4.   Practice Good Posture:  Optimists have good posture, stand tall, walk briskly, and take big steps.

5.   Set Specific Goals:  Set goals and consistently take action.

6.   Have A Cheerful Voice:  People feel the emotion they are acting. Use a positive voice.

Just by applying these six steps to my life, I have change my way of thinking, and hopefully reduce my risk of physical illness and live a longer, and more fulfilling life.  Plus the dog hasn't had to go to the vet in a long time. :)

Make it a great day!

R. B. "Bob" Mitchell - Loan Officer Raleigh/Durham
Bank of England (NMLS#418481) - Raleigh, NC
Bob Mitchell (NMLS#1046286)

When I was younger I had some fairly major anger issues....to put it plainly, I was pissed off a good percentage of the time.  One day my boss took me into her office and sat me down for a good talking to.  She pointed out some of the things that you're saying.

I went to work on it....taking note of when I was being negative, attempting to see the bright sides of things, reading motivational writings etc.  It's been right at 20 years since that talking to and while I haven't ever whipped it completely, I'm a much happier person for the efforts!

Thanks for the post!

 

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc. 

Feb 12, 2008 03:11 AM
Lisa Heindel
Crescent City Living LLC - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Real Estate Broker
#2 is my favorite.  I've learned over the years (the hard way!) that it's complete non-productive to point fingers and play the blame game.  Instead, take a deep breath and tackle "how do we fix this" head on.
Feb 12, 2008 03:07 PM
Keith Kenner
Hometown Properties - Hiawassee, GA

I haven't always been a positive person, but all of my life my mother told me that if you want something bad enough, all you have to do is work hard and never give up!

In the same breath she would say " don't dwell on the negitives and always be part of the solution and not the problem." I have always tried to hang out with positive people and avoid the nay sayers. If you hang with the wrong crowd you will start picking up their habits.

I personally know the author of this blog and Chris Carr is a very positive person and a good friend of mine! You can take his advice to the bank as he is living proof of it!

Feb 12, 2008 10:36 PM