I’ve been complaining a lot in the past month and a half. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been the opposite of an optimist.
However, there’s a point to it all.
It’s essential to acknowledge problems. We can’t just ignore them. We have to voice our concerns, or else nothing will change. That’s something I’ve been learning over time!
With that said, however, balance is key. We also can’t let our problems consume us, causing us more distress than necessary.
I consider myself an optimist. I like to see the good in things. And you should, too. So, I’ll describe the many benefits of seeing life through rose-colored glasses.
Firstly, optimism can make people more persevering. There’s a term people use called “manifesting” to achieve success, and I agree!
Researchers at Syracuse University found that positive thinking and behaviors associated with it can reduce stress and increase resilience.
I have personal experience with this. Whenever I’m doing a difficult assignment, and I’m on the verge of giving up, or when I simply don’t want to get out of bed because I don’t want to do the task ahead of me, I literally talk to myself. I’ll say, “You can do it!” or “You got this!” I’m not exaggerating when I say that this helps me from letting my stress consume my thoughts and allows me to continue working.
There are times I hype myself up out loud in front of others so that I may look crazy, but it’s worth it!
Second, optimism can improve your health. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, individuals with a positive outlook were one-third less likely to experience a heart attack compared to those with a negative mindset. The same article also stated that smiling can reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
And here’s an interesting one! Another study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, followed over 70,000 people over time and found that higher levels of optimism were correlated with a longer lifespan.
Finally, thinking positively can make people happier. Who doesn’t want to feel happy?
Gratitude goes hand in hand with optimism. According to Harvard Health, individuals who focus on gratitude tend to feel happier with their lives!
My dad has always encouraged us to be thankful in our family, which has made me appreciate my life, including all its challenges, even more.
As I mentioned earlier, striking a balance between positive and negative thinking is a delicate practice. Negative thinking helps you recognize problems.
Positive thinking, on the other hand, makes life worth living.
There have been many unfortunate events in 2025, which may lead to some sad expectations for 2026. However, I implore you to look to the new year with hope. It might pay off.
