{
  "id": 15158851,
  "title": "5 tips to stay resiliently optimistic in tough times",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/5-tips-to-stay-resiliently-optimistic-in-tough-times",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-17T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91622552/5-tips-resiliently-optimistic"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nOne 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.\n\nAvoid 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%.\n\nStress 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.",
  "summary": "Below, Michelle Gielan shares five key insights from her new book, Resilient Optimism: The Science of Sustaining a Positive Mindset in Tough Times . Michelle is a positive psychology researcher and former national CBS News anchor. She was the executive producer of The Happiness Advantage on PBS and a featured professor on Oprah Winfrey’s Happiness course. What’s the Big Idea? It’s easy to be…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}