How To Stop Being A Pessimist

The first step that you need to take to transition to optimism is to stop being a pessimist. There is a reason for your pessimism and the most likely one is that you are being pessimistic to hide some insecurities that you have. Optimism and positive thinking are the opposite of pessimism, so you need to do everything you can to stop your pessimistic ways.

 

Tackle Irrational Fear

 

We all have irrational fears, but pessimists seem to have more than most. If you want to be an optimist then it is critical that you tackle the irrational fears that are holding you back. The most effective way to do this is to tackle them head on.

 

Over the years you will have strengthened your irrational fears by acting on them so it will not be easy to overcome them. But when you confront your irrational fears head on and overcome them, you will give your self-confidence a much-needed boost.

 

Change from Rigid Thinking to Flexible Thinking

 

Most pessimists are rigid in their thinking. They believe that they can either do something or they can’t and that there is no other possibilities. Pessimists tend to focus on these “impossibilities” and this holds them back.

 

With flexible thinking, you will always believe that there is another way. If you cannot do something right now then you can change this with persistence and time. Flexible thinking will allow you to see other possibilities.

 

Don’t be controlled by others

 

Worrying about what other people think about them is a common trait for pessimists. They are afraid to do anything new just in case someone disapproves of what they are doing. An optimist will take responsibility for their own life and will not care what other people think.

 

If you have this problem then you need to change your thinking here. Most people are far too busy to concern themselves with what you are doing. When someone does state an opinion, you do not have to accept this as fact. Most of the time it will not be true anyway.

 

Reduce your Exposure to Negativity

 

Pessimists will thrive on negativity. When you want to change to be an optimist then you need to reduce your exposure to negativity as much as you can. This includes people and things that are negative. It will not be possible for you to totally avoid negativity but reducing it as much as you can needs to be your aim.

 

Social media is a haven for negativity so reduce the amount of time that you spend on it. It doesn’t matter if you are not connected all of the time. Missing some meaningless notifications will not be a problem. 

 

Express Gratitude

 

Pessimists usually focus on the things that they do not have in their lives. They are always wanting something new and are not satisfied until they get it. Optimists are grateful for what they have and know that expressing gratitude will result in further abundance.

 

Take a look around you and express your gratitude for the people and the things that you have in your life right now. While you are focusing on this you will not be worrying about your future or the mistakes that you made in the past.