Optimism Training

Intro

Optimism is part of the lens you see the world through. It is the belief that something good is about to happen and a key ingredient to a fulfilling life. What most people don’t realize is… it’s a trainable skill.

You train optimism and deepen those positive pathways in your brain by becoming a researcher of good. The most well-researched method to do that is reflecting on what you can be grateful for, especially when it feels hard.

In this tool, you’ll deepen your sense of gratitude, reframe a challenge, and design a small routine to train your optimism.

Instructions

1. List everything you are grateful for.Write 20 or more. You can include people, moments, abilities, places, and basics. Keep going until you truly run out (for example: a friend who checks in, clean water, curiosity).
2. Choose one item and connect to this feeling of gratitude.Close your eyes, think about this one item, and try to bring out this feeling of gratitude in your body. How did that feel?
3. Reflect on a challenge you’re facing and the hidden gift(s).Pick one challenge you’re navigating and write down any gifts, from lessons to opportunities for specific growth, that come with it. The key is to be honest, you can’t fool yourself.
4. Where can you practice more optimism in your life?Reflect on specific adjustments you can make to practice optimism, such as turning on Morning Intentions for gratitude reminders, or simply committing to being a researcher of good when negative thoughts come up.