Comments on: Argue Your Way to Optimism

By: Rob Boucher Jr

Rob Boucher Jr — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:37:57 +0000

I can certain attest to optimism being learned and about arguement with “automatic beliefs”. That’s what my whole life has been about.

We come with default patterns that form like water running down a hill. They pick the path of least resistance based on our genetic tendencies, societal structures and upbringing. At some point we figure out that the default paths aren’t the most effective.

This post seems a reframing of some of your other ones. For example, using the six thinking hats helps to see a belief from different perspectives. It’s all about being aware and then actively choosing thought patterns that are the most effective from a feeling and results point of view.

The Usefulness point is a lot about looking at the past, present and future. If it’s something out in the future and you can’t do anything about it, thinking about it now is wasted energy. Worrying is having the impression that thinking about the problem somehow lessens it.

Good frame.

By: Fred H Schlegel

Fred H Schlegel — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:43:12 +0000

What an interesting twist. I’m often surprised how two approaches can seem the same yet actually operate so differently. Great post.

By: JD

JD — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:06:52 +0000

@ Alik

Evidence really is the foundation. You can kick its tires and build better cases. When your evidence supports your claims, you’re kicking butt and taking names. (I made it a rhyme to make it easier to remember.)

By: Alik Levin | PracticeThis.com

Alik Levin | PracticeThis.com — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:30:11 +0000

I liked 4 steps to improve. Most important i think is about evidence. I think these for can be simplified even more. I remember your post where you were asking “How it can be true?” – challenge the belief against the evidence.

By: JD

JD — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:47 +0000

@ Eduard

It’s amazing how just tuning our thinking a bit, goes a long way. It’s the day to day that adds up.

@ Positively Present

I like the fact it’s simple, but effective.

@ Patricia

I think this tool will definitely help you unleash your inner-optimist. I’m optimistic on that

@ Hilary

Thank you. It’s really a great prescriptive way to train your thinking for more effective results.

@ Nadia

That’s a good way to put it. Our filters can either hurt us or help us. I like the fact you qualified with “if we are willing to do the work.”

@ Karl

It’s a great reminder that our beliefs can limit us or enable us, and that we’re ultimately responsible for our beliefs.

By: Karl Staib - Work Happy Now

Karl Staib - Work Happy Now — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:24:32 +0000

It’s funny how we create these beliefs and we think they are set, but they aren’t. We can recreate how we look and feel about a certain belief. I do believe that we have our core beliefs that help guide us, but even these beliefs can be bent every now and again. Hey if a good football game is one and a person wants to miss church to watch it this doesn’t make them a bad person. They can still celebrate God while watching football.

By: Nadia - Happy Lotus

Nadia - Happy Lotus — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:58:38 +0000

Hi JD,

This is very interesting. I have always been an optimistic person and so it is fascinating to me to see the techniques that are suggested to help cultivate an optimistic point of view. Life is truly a matter of perception. Some people are born with the proper perception and others may have to work at it. The great thing is that we are capable of doing anything that we want, if we are willing to do the work.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:31:33 +0000

Hi JD .. interesting take on being optimistic .. such a good idea that Martin Seligman is putting forward – argue with yourself. I think I’ve been analysing why things have happened and then adjusting to that thought process .. but actually arguing with myself towards optimism – I’ll give that a try.

It’s good that you’re back with your incisive posts -
thanks -Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

By: Patricia

Patricia — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:59:59 +0000

Oh this is a good post to read today! Thank you. I think I was born an optimist, but my family went at me so hard about being so optimistic, when most of them were pessimists…that I joined forces. Someone said about me, that I always think I have to be stung by a bee before anything comes my way.

I have been working on reverting myself back to my optimistic self…
Very interesting outlook here and very good pointer….we can make change if we choose too…

By: Positively Present

Positively Present — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:42:19 +0000

Love this!! I’ve never thought about dealing with optimism this way… so interesting! Another great insight, J.D.!