Two Quotes to Use as Mantras to Embrace Optimism Each Day
Optimist almost always put a positive spin on their expectations for the future. Pessimist are constantly thinking of why things won’t work out. Everybody has a little of both of these personality types inside of them. However, as you probably notice about yourself and others, most people allow more of one type to dominate their personality than the other.
In times like these, I would argue it’s best to embrace the optimist inside. This won’t be easy for those who are naturally more pessimistic, but I urge you to give it a try anyway. In stressful situations, practicing optimism is not only good for your mind, it’s good for your body. According to a series of studies from across the U.S. and Europe:
- Optimist have lower blood pressure that pessimist, which leads to lower case of cardiovascular disease (i.e. less heart attacks)
- In times of need, optimist have more social support than pessimist
- Optimist get less viral infections than pessimist (i.e. boost immune system)
- Optimist have a 42% to 45% lower risk of death as they age
- When it comes to overcoming adversity, optimist are significantly more successful than pessimists and have better long term outcomes.
With this in mind, an easy way to start the shift of one’s mindset is to use a daily mantra. A mantra is a statement that one repeats frequently to serve as a mental guide. The mantra I suggest to start each day with are two simple quotes. The first quote from author Margaret Drabble always inspires me when the future is unclear. The second quote from economist and business philosopher Peter Drucker always helps me get my creative juices flowing.
When nothing is sure, everything is possible.
– Margaret Drabble
The best way to predict the future is to create it.
– Peter Drucker
My suggestion is that you use these two quotes as your daily mantra to embrace the optimist inside. After you read them, remind yourself that the rest of your day is a blank canvas and you’re the artist with the power to draw anything you want.