Optimism Can Be Learned

MetLife Insurance executive hired a special group of applicants who failed the normal screening tests, but scored high on optimism. The "dumb" optimists sold 57% more insurance than the "smart" pessimists.

Whether we are running hot or running cold, or simply running on overload optimism can be learned by  using these concepts:
1. Nothing builds optimism more than success: Do something that you know will bring success and then step by step gradually build on that success.

2. Keep stepping: Each successful attempt teaches confidence and teaches you how to improve.

3. Seize the day: More opportunities exist than people willing to seize them.

4. Choose optimism: Choices, not circumstances, determine how we think.

5. Be active: Action cures pessimism.

6. Speak positively: Our lips program our brain for optimism or pessimism.

7. Gratitude adjusts attitude: Be thankful for what you have and what you have done.

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The Power of Optimism

Empirical findings and scientific studies indicate that optimists are more successful in all aspects of life than pessimists. Optimists catch more fish. A fishing guide once said that catching a trout depends more on who's holding the pole than the bait that's on the hook. Optimists "believe they're going to catch 'em and they catch 'em."

 Optimism helps actors. Tommy Lee Jones said, "I work on being optimistic about life….I'm convinced it creates possibilities."

Optimism helps athletes. Swimmers were tested for attitude. Pessimists performed worse after a defeat. Those who scored high on optimism performed better after a defeat.

Optimism helps students. Optimism predicted high grades in college better than SAT scores or high-school grades.

Optimism helps sales people. Optimist sell 40% more insurance than pessimists sell.

Can you become an optimist? Yes. Condition yourself to believe in your abilities. Believe the world is out to do you good. Think: "I can."

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Create Your Future

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Invent Your Future

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Thoughts on Prayer

Prayer allows us to develop a proper relationship with God that enables us to live the life he wants for us. As we progressively develop a deep, abiding commitment to God he gradually moves us toward a holy life. Here are some suggestions for developing the habit of daily prayer, remembered by the ACTS acronym:
Adoration: Praise God's majesty and his wondrous works.

Confession: Pray honestly confessing all your struggles, conflicts, waywardness, fears, and worldly temptations.

Thankfulness: Thank God for his blessings and grace.

Supplication: Ask God for help with your daily struggles.

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