By Victor Perton
Optimism is a powerful force that can profoundly shape our lives. At its simplest, optimism is the expectation that good things will happen and that things will work out in the end. This mindset benefits our mental health and is linked to physical wellbeing and longevity. One of the most effective ways to cultivate and maintain an optimistic outlook is through writing and sharing positive affirmations.
Positive affirmations are short, powerful statements that help to reinforce an optimistic mindset. They are a form of positive self-talk that can shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones.
Regularly engaging in positive self-talk can bring many benefits, including joy, greater wellbeing, reduced stress, and improved coping strategies.
In my book Optimism: The How and Why, I emphasised the importance of positive self-talk as a foundational practice for maintaining an optimistic outlook. By consciously focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can train our minds to look for and expect good outcomes. This practice helps overcome challenges and builds resilience and a proactive approach to life's hurdles.
Writing positive affirmations is a simple yet powerful exercise. Reading the positive affirmations of others is also positive—imagine the greater strength of focusing on your wisdom and insights and writing them down to enhance your optimism.
"I radiate positivity and joy, attracting happiness and success into my life."
"Every day brings new opportunities for optimism and growth."
"I choose to see the good in every situation, finding joy in the journey."
Ensure your affirmations are specific and framed positively. For example, instead of saying, "I will not fail," say, "I am successful in everything I do." Consistency is key. Write and repeat your affirmations daily to reinforce these positive thoughts in your mind.
Some experts on writing positive affirmations recommend choosing one negative thought about yourself and writing down the positive opposite that counteracts that belief. It's worth a try, too.
Sharing positive affirmations can amplify their impact. By sharing your affirmations, you reinforce them for yourself and spread positivity to others.
Sharing your positive statements can inspire those around you and create a ripple effect of optimism.
Here are some ways to share affirmations:
The practice of writing and sharing positive affirmations can lead to numerous benefits:
"The Inspiring Voices of Optimism," Part 3 of the book "Optimism: The How and Why", is a page-a-day section for many readers. It is a way of lifting yourself and those around you.
I was delivering one of my workshops in prison, and a murderer told me why he had come to my workshop. His cellmate had come to a previous workshop and had a copy of my book. The cellmate now keeps a gratitude journal, reads out loud one page of my book daily, and lifts the spirits of his fellow prisoners. This prisoner wanted a deeper dose of that optimism directly from me. You can imagine how good that made me feel—changing one life through my commitment to spreading optimism.
Reading positive affirmations can inspire more of your own.
Write a message in your mirror at home or work reminding you that "The Leader looks like the person in my mirror" or, more simply, "I am an optimist."
Positive affirmations can be a cornerstone of an optimistic mindset.
By writing and sharing these affirmations, you can foster a habit of optimism that benefits you and those around you. We contribute to a more positive and hopeful world as we embrace this practice.
Remember, optimism is not just a state of mind; it's a way of life that can be nurtured and shared.
So, start today by writing affirmations and watching your optimism grow and spread to others.
What are your thoughts on incorporating positive affirmations into your daily or weekly routine? What are your favourite positive affirmations?
During the COVID lockdown, Noirin Mosley, Jenny Boymal, and I developed an animated program called "The Habits of an Optimist." Our ideas on the practice and value of the habits have continued to develop, and we commend trying any of these for a week: