MR BRIGHT SIDE
Change the way you train, feel and live with this positivity workout: a guide to thinking yourself fitter
Optimism is a skill, not just a personality trait. Here’s why it’s one worth acquiring
Optimism is a performanceenhancing drug. According to a study of former Olympians, it was one of the key traits that separated those who exceeded expectations from those who fell short.
“Optimists tend to take a posture of confidence and persistence, while pessimists are doubtful and hesitant,” says Kristen Dieffenbach, director of the Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Science at West Virginia University. “Optimists are able to succeed because they look for opportunities, not problems.
Even when they see problems, they’re able to identify solutions.”
This superpower extends far beyond the world of sports. Soldiers rely on it, as do corporate leaders and average men with above-average health. Research shows that optimists live up to 15% longer, sleep better and are significantly more likely to have superior cardiovascular health than pessimists.
If you’re not an optimist by nature – or if the past year has done a number on your outlook – you can still train your instincts to be more positive, suggests performance psychologist Michael Gervais, co-founder of Compete to Create, which has worked with Fortune 100 CEOs, military personnel and the NFL.
To get your mind and worldview in a healthier, more helpful place, you need to give them some attention. What follows on these pages are your strategies to clean up your doubts and start building a brighter mindset.
However, it’s not just about thinking pleasant thoughts. “Optimists look at adversity as temporary, external and not entirely their fault,” explains
Jack Singer, a sports psychologist who has helped Olympians and businesspeople apply peak-performance principles to their work. “Pessimists view adversity as unchangeable, pervasive and personal,” says Singer. “When you’re negative, your brain goes into fight-or-flight mode, thinking that there could be an emergency, and that slows everything down, from creativity to your immune system.” Reversing course takes regular action. Follow these steps.