Being Optimistic through Adversity

People who are optimists manage to maintain a positive outlook, even during the most difficult times. This does not mean that they avoid facing the problem and falsely believe in an unrealistic outcome, rather they can view the situation while recognizing life's realities and limitations. Those who are optimistic are more likely than pessimists to be active problem solvers and to seek information that can help them through such difficulties. They do not give up at the first sign of a setback or escape into defeatist thinking; instead, they view obstacles as a message to try something different and learn even more about the situation. Optimists keep their sense of humor, plan for the future, and reinterpret any negative situation in a positive light. They are able to do this with the help of methods like those mentioned below.

1. Reappraise the situation.
There are many things in life we simply cannot control—such as the thoughts or behaviors of others, the weather, or even losing a job. What you can control, however, is how you choose to interpret and respond to these situations.

The way you think about a situation influences your emotional response to it. If you believe that bad things always happen to you, that someone is out to get you, or that you are simply unlucky, you may end up feeling victimized, helpless, angry, or defeated. These feelings often lead to negative actions, which can create even more negative reactions and situations.

Reappraising the situation through every possible angle can turn anger towards others into understanding, worry and fear into determination, and feelings of loss into views of opportunity. Gaining a more positive perspective can drive you to create positive steps, which in turn create positive reactions and situations.

To sum it up, being negative creates negative situations that serve to hold you back, while being positive creates positive situations that serve to move you forward.

2. See the experience as a learning opportunity.
People who experience traumatic events or life-threatening illnesses may report that the experience made them stronger, more resilient, and even better human beings who grew and learned from the event.

Those who draw lessons from the inescapable tragedies of life and find meaning in them are far better off emotionally and physically than people who dwell on the negative aspects of the situation. They are the ones who thrive as a result of adversity instead of simply surviving and being pulled down by it. The ability to find positive meaning and benefits even during the worst adversity seems crucial to psychological recovery.

Some people emerge from adversity with newly acquired skills as they are confronted with perspectives (from the reappraisal of their position) from the situation that allowed them to learn something they had not known or even considered before. Others may even discover sources of courage and strength that they did not know they had.

3. Making social comparisons.
During difficult times, it may be challenging to see things to be grateful for. However, gratitude is a strong practice in positivity that helps to keep focus on the perseverance to overcome challenges and achieve new goals.

Others who are successful at coping may seek out the advice and support of others who have overcome similar setbacks. Doing so, is a way to gather knowledge and strength for coping, managing, or improving a stressful situation. If you have overcome or are working through a difficult situation, sharing your own experiences can also help you view your own situation in a more positive light.


4. Find the humor in the situation.
Humor has its own benefits of coping with stressful situations, as long as it is the kind of humor that allows you to see the silly aspects of the problem in order to gain a lighter sense or to gain better control over the situation.

However, negative humor, such as sarcastic, dark, or hostile humor, may make matters worse. Remember that negative thoughts and behaviors result in more negative feelings. Therefore, people who can be light-hearted even in a bad situation will end up overcoming the problem more easily than people who give in to anger, doom, or defeat.

5. Regulate your emotions.
Confess your deepest thoughts and feelings by writing them down, speaking into a recorder, or talking with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist who will provide you with insight, clarity, and support. By getting your negative emotions out there, it allows you to have the chance to see the experience from a new perspective and to gain insight into the origins of your problems.

Releasing your thoughts and feelings can also help you to let go of any resentment, grudges, anger, and blame. It’s best not to dwell on these negative thoughts as they tend to pull you down. So, practice safe methods of getting those negative feelings out and then letting them go.


6. Take control of what you can.
Even if you are suffering from a medical or psychological condition, you can control what kind of treatment you receive. You are in charge of your well-being. So let your final say in decisions be something that you feel are good for you and your situation.

7. Practice Good Health Habits.
When people get overly stressed or ill, they may stop taking care of themselves. Some of these ways are drinking alcohol or self-medicating too much, not moving around enough, and not eating well.

Taking care of yourself is important for emotional recovery and physical well-being. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you are more apt to feel worse. Be sure that taking care of your health is a top priority.

Realize that coping with stress does not mean living without pain, problems, or losses, as these are simply inevitable processes of life. However, it does mean to learn how to live when problems arrive, work through them, and make the best of the situation. Doing so allows us to grow and expand in life.