Optimism can be defined as a dispositional personality characteristic that mediates between external events and their personal interpretation. This tendency to expect the future to produce favorable results contributes to success. Experts claim that negative thoughts attract negative results.
"On one occasion I could not completely review the topics of the end of semester exam. I was sure of the knowledge acquired in classes, but the rest of my responsibilities prevented me from studying days before. I never thought I would fail; On the contrary, my thoughts were always positive and I knew that the matter would pass ".
The commentary, expressed by Jackeline Hurtado, 25, a medical student, is part of a topic that has aroused great interest among researchers in positive psychology.
This tendency to expect excellent results from the circumstances is what specialists have called optimism. It can be defined as a dispositional personality that mediates between external events and personal interpretation of them.
The psychoanalyst Gerardo Villalobos says that this is a predisposition to wish that the future has favorable consequences. "Optimism is the value that helps us face difficulties with good courage and perseverance, discovering the positive things that people and circumstances have, trusting in our abilities and possibilities along with the help we can receive," he adds.
Villalobos is based on three types of personalities: the optimist, the pessimist and the realist.
The main difference that exists between an optimistic and a pessimistic attitude is the way of appreciating certain situations: endeavoring to discover inconveniences and difficulties causes apathy and discouragement. Positive thinking involves making an effort to find solutions and advantages.
As for the realists, he considers that "they are people with clear goals that evaluate all situations".
Martín Leal Guerra, clinical psychologist, explains that people who are inclined towards positive tendencies have a better mood, are more persevering and successful, and even have a better physical condition.
The scientific literature indicates that those with high levels of hope (which have to do with the expectation of positive results in the future and with a belief in one's ability to reach goals) are strengthened and find benefit in traumatic situations.
Affirms that being an optimist is a permanent attitude of restarting, of returning to the analysis and study of situations to better understand the nature of failures and errors. Only then will he be in a position to surpass himself and achieve all goals.
Here are some actions to take if you want to improve your mood:
- Analyze things from the good and positive points, surely this will solve many of the disadvantages. Interestingly, it does not always work the same way the other way around.
- Make an effort to give suggestions and solutions, instead of criticizing or making complaints.
- Try to discover the qualities and abilities of others, recognizing the effort, interest and dedication. This is the most fair and honest.
- Learn to be simple and ask for help, usually other people find the solution faster.
- Do not boast about your safety in yourself by taking decisions lightly, consider everything before acting as things do not solve themselves.