Optimism and Appreciation

You have identified what matters to you, something you would like to achieve, and your intention to pursue it. How you look at the possibilities ahead can help you move forward.

Optimism is the willingness to look for something useful or promising in a situation. It encourages us to explore what can be done and notice opportunities we might otherwise overlook.

Suppose you want to develop a new skill but find your first attempts difficult. You could conclude that you have no ability for it. Or you could look more closely: what have you learned already? Is there some part of it that you are already good at? Which part needs practice? Could someone show you an easier way?

Those questions give you something to work with. One difficult attempt need not decide what you are capable of learning or doing.

The same applies to relationships. If you want to feel closer to someone, noticing what you appreciate about them may help you approach your next conversation with more interest and warmth.

Appreciation brings attention to the good that exists in someone or something. This might be a skill you have, someone willing to help, or an opportunity to practice. Each may be more valuable than you first realized.

We sometimes become so familiar with things that we take them for granted. Take a moment to recognize what you have to work with. If someone has helped you, consider telling them what you appreciate.

You can acknowledge a difficulty and still look for a useful possibility. You can appreciate someone and still have a disagreement to resolve. Neither optimism nor appreciation need be forced.

As you consider what you would like to achieve, notice where your attention goes. Are you focusing mainly on the obstacles, or are you also noticing the resources and opportunities available to you?

Give those possibilities some attention. One of them may provide a way forward.

Try this

Return to what you would like to achieve. Write down three things that could help you move toward it. These might be abilities you have, resources available to you, or people you could ask.

If a difficulty comes to mind, describe it briefly. Then ask:

“What could help me work through this?”

Keep your notes alongside your values, your goal, and your intention.