The Power of Positivity | How to See the Good in Every Situation

[Olga]

How to Become an Optimist

In this world, there's nothing inherently bad—everything depends on our mindset. A pessimist might be considered blind, as their outlook can ruin their own life and affect those around them. How we respond to failure is crucial; thinking positively can lead to positive outcomes and directly influences our health. Interestingly, external circumstances don't dictate our mood—true mental health comes from within. Israel, for example, is ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. What's the secret behind this?

Some people always see the glass as half full, while others see it as half empty. These are the optimists and pessimists. But can we shift our perspective to become more optimistic and lead a happier life? Let's explore this together.

Why is optimism a cornerstone of Judaism? Because at the heart of Judaism is faith in God, who is the ultimate source of goodness. When we trust that everything comes from God, nothing bad can truly happen to us. Our day should start with gratitude, acknowledging all the blessings God has given us. By doing so, even the smallest inconveniences can't spoil our mood, as we remember the bigger picture—our life, family, friends, and even the sun and moon are gifts from God. If we focus on gratitude from the very beginning of our day, it's difficult to let minor setbacks disrupt our peace of mind.

Judaism encourages us to regularly express gratitude, not just as a meditation but as a vocal acknowledgment to God. This practice of daily thankfulness helps ensure that minor issues don’t derail our overall sense of well-being. After all, God has given us life, family, friends, and a home—should we let a single bad detail ruin our day?

The Jewish people have endured immense suffering, and it’s only through optimism that they’ve survived and thrived for thousands of years. Take the philosopher and Rabbi Maimonides (Rambam) as an example. Despite facing many hardships, including fleeing from persecution and losing his brother, Rambam remained an unwavering optimist. His writings reveal a deep belief that everything is ultimately good; it all depends on how we set our minds. Even in the face of trials, there is something positive to be found. 

Practical Advice on Becoming an Optimist:

Connect with God: The most effective way to cultivate optimism is to strengthen your relationship with God. Through studying the Torah, observing commandments, and most importantly, bringing joy to others, one can find a source of enduring happiness. This is a proven recipe for optimism. 

Shift Your Focus: Stop thinking solely about yourself and start focusing on the joy and well-being of others. Create a family, work hard to provide for them, and you will find a deep sense of joy that transcends any material concerns.

Learn from Experience: While some people are born optimists, most of us have to work on it. Through religious teachings and spiritual practices, anyone can develop a more positive outlook.

Seek Help if Needed: If someone struggles with deep-seated pessimism, professional help may be necessary. Pessimism, when unchecked, can blind a person to the beauty of life. Recognizing the abundance of good in the world naturally fosters optimism.

Start Each Day with Gratitude: Begin your day by thanking God for everything in your life, from the smallest details to the biggest blessings. This sets a positive tone and makes it easier to handle the day’s challenges.

React Positively to Challenges: Don't let a single setback take over your life. Keep in mind that every difficulty is temporary and that things will improve in the future. By focusing on the good and not letting failure consume you, you maintain a hopeful outlook.

Why Do Optimists Sometimes Annoy Others?

People who can't fully experience joy themselves may find optimists irritating, believing their happiness to be fake. However, genuine happiness is very real for those who have learned how to truly celebrate life. Those who lack this ability often see the world through a negative lens, which can be challenging to overcome without intentional effort.

Coping with Tragedy and Stress:

In times of grief or stress, it’s important to allow oneself to process the emotions rather than suppress them. Surrounding oneself with supportive people who can provide comfort and perspective is crucial. It’s also important to remember that, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, optimism can be a powerful tool for recovery.

Final Thoughts:

Optimism is more than just a mindset; it’s a practice that requires daily effort. By focusing on the good, expressing gratitude, and maintaining a strong connection to God, we can cultivate a sense of joy and resilience that carries us through life’s ups and downs. 

In my view, adopting an optimistic outlook is one of the most valuable skills one can develop. It's not just about feeling good—it's about building the strength to face life's inevitable challenges with grace and hope. Optimism doesn't mean ignoring problems; it means believing that, with the right mindset, we can overcome them and find meaning and joy in the process. The stories of those who have faced immense challenges and remained hopeful, like Maimonides, serve as powerful reminders that optimism is not just wishful thinking—it's a strategy for living a fulfilled and resilient life.

[Anri]

Love this! In my experience, the practice of starting each day with gratitude is especially impactful. It was a challenge for me at first but it's like practising and developing a skill!
I found it especially interesting how you highlighted the role of faith and gratitude in Judaism. For me, the idea that optimism isn’t about ignoring problems but rather viewing them from a positive point of view. 
I am however curious to know how you think people can integrate these practices into their daily routines, especially when they face significant obstacles?
 

 

[Olga]

@Anri 

I'm really glad you loved the post! It sounds like you've had a meaningful journey with integrating gratitude into your daily life. It's true that, like any skill, it takes practice and dedication to make it a natural part of your routine. The way you’ve described the balance between optimism and acknowledging challenges is spot on—it's not about pretending everything is perfect but about choosing to see the positive even when things are tough.

As for integrating these practices, especially during challenging times, I think it’s about starting small and being consistent. Here are a few ideas:

Start with Micro-Gratitude: When obstacles feel overwhelming, even the smallest gestures of gratitude can make a difference. It might be as simple as being thankful for a warm cup of coffee or a few minutes of quiet in the morning. Over time, these small moments add up and create a more positive outlook, even in tough times.

Create a Gratitude Anchor: Tie your gratitude practice to something you already do daily. For instance, while brushing your teeth or during your morning commute, mentally list a few things you’re grateful for. This way, it becomes a seamless part of your routine.

Mindful Breaks: When facing a significant obstacle, take a short break to reflect on what’s going well or what lesson might be hidden within the challenge. This doesn’t mean ignoring the problem but rather giving yourself a moment to regroup with a positive mindset.

Faith as a Foundation: If faith is part of your life, leaning into it during tough times can be incredibly grounding. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or reading spiritual texts, these practices can help remind you that challenges are temporary and that there’s always something to be grateful for.

Gratitude Journaling: Even when life gets chaotic, keeping a small journal by your bed or in your bag can help you jot down a few things you’re thankful for each day. It’s a great way to end the day on a positive note, no matter what happened.

These practices don’t need to take up a lot of time but can make a big difference in how you approach each day, especially when you’re dealing with difficult situations. It's like building a muscle—the more you practice, the stronger your resilience and positivity become.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and I’d love to hear how you continue to integrate these practices into your routine!

[Super]

Do you often notice the good things in life, or does negative thinking dominate your attention? Can you focus on the positive, or do you find yourself consumed by the negative? Today, we’ll dive into this topic, and as always, I have a wonderful exercise for you to help you learn how to think positively and notice the good around you.

Why Positive Thinking Matters:

When you train yourself to think positively, remarkable things happen. Life becomes more enjoyable, you feel happier, and you start to appreciate the small joys around you. The topic of today's discussion came to me while I was on vacation with my family. For several mornings, I swam in the sea. On the first day, the water was perfect. The next day, it was a bit cooler, and by the third day, I skipped my swim. On the fourth day, after my morning meditation, I took a dip and found the water freezing cold. As I swam, I felt a strong resistance to the cold, unable to fully relax. But once I got out, I felt an invigorating rush of energy—likely from the adrenaline pushing my blood to circulate faster. It was a great feeling, a high point of my day.

However, later, our group went to the spa, a place we had been enjoying daily. But on this particular day, the spa was closed unexpectedly. I noticed myself becoming irritated, especially when the front desk couldn't explain why it was closed or when it might reopen. That’s when I realized how easy it is to start focusing on the negatives. The cold sea, the closed spa—it all started to pile up, influencing how I saw everything else, like the food at the buffet, which suddenly seemed less appealing and more repetitive. Initially, the environment had been new and exciting, filled with dopamine-boosting experiences. But once that novelty wore off, my brain shifted to a more critical mode.

I caught myself in this negative spiral and recognized it as a mental trap. When life becomes routine, we tend to focus on what’s wrong rather than what’s right. It's almost as if our brains are wired to seek out negativity once the initial thrill fades.

Shifting Focus to the Positive:

During breakfast the next morning, I had a conversation with an elderly couple. I mentioned the cold sea, and the woman kindly pointed out, "But there’s a lovely warm pool right here, where the kids can swim." That comment snapped me back to reality, reminding me that there’s always something positive to focus on if we choose to see it.

The Exercise:

Here’s a simple yet powerful exercise that trains both your memory and your ability to focus on the good things in life. Every night, as you wind down from the day, either speak aloud or write down at least one positive event that happened during the day. It could be anything—big or small. As you continue this practice for a week, two weeks, or even longer, you’ll start to notice a shift in your mindset. Your memory will begin to retain more of the positive moments, and when you look back, you'll remember the good more than the bad.

This exercise also helps you find the silver lining in negative situations. If something unpleasant happens, ask yourself, "What lesson does life want me to learn from this? What can I take away from this experience?" Whether it’s learning patience from a conflict or recognizing how your actions affect others, this kind of reflection turns negative moments into opportunities for growth.

Over time, this daily reflection will train your brain to prioritize positive experiences. Even the most challenging days will have their bright spots, and you'll be more resilient in the face of adversity. Your focus on the good will diminish the power of negative events, helping you maintain a more balanced and joyful outlook.

Why Positive Thinking Makes You Happier:

When you cultivate a positive mindset, you naturally feel more content and peaceful. Negative thoughts tend to trigger stress, which drains your energy and leaves you feeling irritated and unhappy. This frustration can become a repetitive loop in your mind, making it hard to break free from negative patterns. But by consistently focusing on the good, you interrupt this cycle, paving the way for a more optimistic and fulfilling life.

Give It a Try:

I encourage you to try this exercise for a week or a month. Pay attention to how it affects your mood and outlook, and feel free to share your experiences and insights in the comments. Making positive thinking and noticing the good things a regular habit can transform your life.

Final Thoughts:

Positive thinking isn’t just about ignoring life’s difficulties; it’s about balancing the good with the bad and choosing to focus on what uplifts you. By training your mind to notice and appreciate the positives, you build resilience against life’s inevitable challenges. This practice doesn’t make the difficulties disappear, but it does help you navigate them with greater strength and optimism. In the end, it’s not about eliminating negativity but about ensuring that it doesn’t overshadow the many beautiful moments life has to offer.