Words of Wisdom: The Power Of Learned Optimism

The Power Of Learned Optimism

By Martin Seligman

Studies are showing that in the long run, having a positive outlook on life will make you happier, healthier and wealthier while raising your quality of life.  It’s key! Science says that we have the ability to change the way that we think.

World-renowned psychologist Martin Seligman says “Habits of thinking need not be forever.  One of the most significant findings in psychology in the last twenty years is that individuals can choose the way they think”

Seligman conducted studies on “Learned Happiness.” He conducted research on dogs, placing them in situations where they could help themselves avoid harm and others in which they could not. He found that dogs ‘learned helplessness’ based on a historical inability to help themselves, even if they could change that now.

Seligman says that this principle of “learned helplessness” is evident in human behaviour also.  We’re conditioned to think that we’re unable to escape pain, change our lives, and advance for the better—but we can!  The solution to this suffering starts out in our minds.  Instead of “learned helplessness,” we’ve got to practice “learned optimism”.

That’s why it’s so important to be optimistic.  Don’t let your past failure predict your future success.  Don’t let a few disappointing deferred dreams stop you from traveling a purposeful path. 

 “Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success.” (Lao Tzu)

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WOW is designed to motivate and inspire, promote self-discovery and aid in continued personal development. Each column will present a powerful quote, metaphor, short parable or thought-provoking question, sourced and selected by experts in the personal development field.