5 tips to stay resiliently optimistic in tough times

Optimism can be nurtured even in challenging circumstances, but it doesn't originate solely from feelings. As Michelle Gielan, a positive psychology researcher and CBS News anchor, explains in her book, Resilient Optimism, optimism is truly a behavior. The days we require optimism often coincide with the very moments when we cannot muster such feelings.

One approach is to establish routines that aid in maintaining focus. For instance, Mark, a leader overseeing a renewable-energy project, found himself losing optimism amidst chaos. He mitigated this by refraining from work emails after 8 p.m., jotting down three positive aspects of the day before bedtime, and holding a 15-minute team meeting each morning to discuss a previous day's success and the day's objectives.

Avoid focusing on what's broken to counteract the brain's tendency to identify problems. Instead, emphasize potential solutions and progress. A study conducted by Arianna Huffington and Michelle revealed that negative news heightened the likelihood of experiencing a negative day by 27%. Conversely, adding information about possible solutions to a serious problem improved problem-solving competencies by 20%.

Stress isn't inherently detrimental; it's information. Stress can enhance focus, growth, and performance. The key lies in interpreting stress appropriately. For example, a mother who discovered her teenage son was frequently late realized her stress stemmed from her concern for his safety. This insight prompted a more constructive response, thereby altering her reaction to stress.