Would you describe yourself as an optimist? Or has life imprinted the attitude of the pragmatic realistic upon your attitudes? However you might feel, the purpose of this discussion is not favour one approach over another nor to insist that we should polarise our responses into a single hard and fast category. In the real world, our attitude might be influenced by a whole host of different circumstances. But there are many advantages to maintaining a positive or optimistic attitude in the face of challenges, defeats, difficulties, obstacles or reversals of fortune. So, let’s take a closer look.

In the ancient annals of military instruction, great generals insisted that battles were often won or lost before the armies even caught sight of one another. They understood the power of perception and the value of a positive attitude. In simple terms, the way we see the world is deeply conditioned by our beliefs and expectations. When we believe that we have lost the contest and that there is no hope of succeeding, we will abandon our quest and quit the field of endeavour. A more positive attitude will be open to a much broader range of possibilities. We will be more likely to identify opportunities that will advance our cause, save the day and bring us closer to our chosen goals.

From a health perspective, a positive attitude remains the great key to rapid recovery from illness. We don’t know how or why but we seem to possess a profound ability to influence our bodies, even at the cellular level. It’s clear that our beliefs encode the promise of robust health in all areas of our lives. Whatever the outcome, an optimistic outlook certainly makes life’s journey more pleasant and the experience more rewarding.

The next time you find yourself frowning and feeling frustrated, take a moment to breathe more deeply, loosen your face muscles and relax your shoulders, smile and tell yourself that you have everything you need to overcome the obstacles. Choose confidence and a deep belief in your power to resolve the difficulties you encounter. Let a positive attitude open the door to an infinite realm of possibilities and a happier, healthier life. 

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