Five ways to Convert to Optimism

📖 Note: This post is from the archives. It may reflect outdated views or a previous name.

The majority of the human race is so utterly afraid of “failure”, that it scares most of the population away from pursuing novel and innovative lifestyles because of the life-shaking possibility of “failing”. I’ve talked to over four hundred people about my decision regarding dropping out of school and seventy-five percent of them made the same negative remarks; this consistency does not make what they’re saying correct, but makes them victims to polluted mindsets and fear.

I would like to write about some of the challenges that I personally faced and overcame. I would like to make a few points that anyone can implement, today — to improve their outlook on life, become more optimistic and start to play the game in their favour. I strongly believe that becoming a successful entrepreneur and a “positive contributor to society” as those more traditional types would convey is not based on what degrees you’ve obtained or universities you’ve attended, but something that isn’t taught in a lecture hall.

For most of my life I was surviving in a desolate mental state, living in a environment where I was isolated from my peers because of my differences and harassed for my weaknesses. I was never accepted for who I was, or at least it felt that way while attending my early years of school, church and at home. These experiences spiralled me into a state of depression. I believed that the situation would never improve and was at the point where I attempted to take my own life. I had a moving experience one evening when an older gentlemen pulled me over a barrier at the last second. Moving there onward, I decided and held myself to changing my life into something that I wanted it to be. This indispensable experience changed my outlook on life, giving me the drive and determination to do something, to change and most importantly place me in the right direction.

The only way we can fail, is if we refuse to continue

Since that experience in January 2014, I have made a tonne of progress towards my end goal. I am starting to sculpt my life into something that I truly want it to be, rather than acting, only to satisfy those around me. Over the past year, I’ve learned that the only person who can force me to do something, is me. With this in mind, I would like to propose a few key points that if applied can improve one’s mindset and outlook on success, failure and life in general.

1. Search for solutions, rather than being puzzled by the problems. I constantly find myself searching for these solutions rather than being caught up by the problems. This characteristic isn’t easy to master, but anyone with the determination to change, even small bits at a time will be able to start recognizing solutions and starting immediately.

2. Surround yourself with positive people. I find that this step is incredibly important, yet the most difficult. We all have toxic relationships that we wish would succeed. I’ve learned time and time again that these parasitic individuals cause nothing more than heartache in the long term. Gradually move yourself away from the negative crowd and usher in more positive people in your life.

3. Inspire yourself with a smile and motivational reminders. I believe that one needs to be objective, thick-skinned and work towards being more self-motivated. Someone I respect once told me, that I should note all the negative remarks that people have said to me. Reading over these remarks can bring that little boost of motivation I need on days where I feel that I am not making enough progress or something goes wrong.

4. Work on the things you can control. I know a lot of people who make themselves miserable for things they have zero control over. Pessimism breeds indecision. Every minute spent worrying guarantees nothing but less time to enjoy what life has to offer. I would recommend trying to realise that you can’t control everything, but start to choose the best decision by analyzing your life, finding the things you don’t like and fixing them, rather than complaining about the existence of the problem.

5. Focus on the now and work towards the future. The most important step is focusing on the now, allowing you to work towards your future. I used to act like a victim and was living in the past. This was obstructing my view on where I wanted to be. Coming from a past where I’ve been directly affected by someone’s actions; I know that letting go of the pain is tremendously difficult, but this is a vital step towards being more optimistic. “Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”—JFK

If there is anything that you could take from this article, it’s that nothing is permanent. We will always be able to prevail with enough dedication and diligence, no matter what the situation is, the country we’re from, the colour of our skin or family we’re born into. Work towards being the person you want to be, rather than focusing on why it can’t happen.