A List of 30 Uplifting and Optimistic Thoughts

My counselling client sat with tears in her eye. She shared her stories of feeling disrespected at work, taken for granted at home, and hearing a snide remark from a father-in-law. These may indeed have been realities but she exasperated them by her pessimistic viewpoint. She viewed her problems as permanent. “Why me?” she lamented. She wanted to desperately relieve her stress but didn’t see what she could change or control. Fortunately, we can always change our minds! We can consider adding some optimistic thoughts to our neural pathways.

Once some healing was complete my client and I began to work on strengthening her optimistic mindset.

In 1990, the founder of Positive Psychology, Martin Seligman, released his groundbreaking book, Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life. In it he describes the indicators and benefits of optimistic thinking. He also describes indicators and problems with predominately pessimistic thinking.

The Importance of Optimistic Thoughts

Optimism plays a crucial role in various aspects of our lives, ranging from personal well-being to societal progress. Here are some key points highlighting the importance of optimism:

1. Emotional Well-being: Optimism is linked to improved mental health and well-being. Individuals who maintain an optimistic outlook tend to experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This positive mindset can contribute to better overall emotional resilience.
2. Physical Health: Studies have suggested that optimistic individuals may have a reduced risk of chronic diseases and a longer lifespan. Optimism is associated with healthier behaviors, such as engaging in regular physical activity, eating well, and adhering to medical recommendations.
3. Coping and Resilience: Optimistic people often demonstrate greater resilience when facing challenges and setbacks. They are more likely to approach difficulties with a problem-solving attitude and maintain the belief that they can overcome obstacles, leading to better adaptation and recovery.
4. Enhanced Relationships: Optimism can improve interpersonal relationships. Optimistic individuals tend to be more approachable, supportive, and empathetic, fostering positive connections with others. Their positive attitude can create a harmonious environment and strengthen social bonds.
5. Motivation and Achievement: Optimism is closely related to motivation and goal achievement. People who believe in their ability to succeed are more likely to set ambitious goals, persist in the face of setbacks, and ultimately achieve higher levels of success.
6. Creativity and Innovation: An optimistic mindset encourages innovative thinking. When individuals believe that positive outcomes are possible, they are more likely to explore new ideas, take calculated risks, and find creative solutions to problems.
7. Leadership and Influence: Optimistic leaders are often more inspiring and influential. Their positive outlook can motivate teams, boost morale, and foster a sense of shared purpose, leading to increased productivity and a positive work environment.
8. Societal Progress: Optimism can drive positive change on a larger scale. Societies that believe in the potential for progress are more likely to invest in education, research, and innovation, leading to advancements in technology, medicine, and social well-being.
9. Mental Attitude: Optimism shapes our perception of the world. It allows us to focus on opportunities rather than dwelling on challenges, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life experience.
10. Personal Growth: Embracing optimism encourages continuous personal growth and development. Individuals are more likely to learn from failures, seek new experiences, and evolve as individuals when they maintain a positive outlook.

It’s important to note that while optimism has numerous benefits, it’s not about denying reality or ignoring challenges. Instead, it involves acknowledging difficulties while maintaining the belief that positive outcomes are attainable. Cultivating an optimistic mindset can have far-reaching positive effects on our lives.

Here are some optimistic thoughts to implant in your belief system.

1. When people speak they talk through their lens of beliefs. I can agree or disagree with them.
2. During conflicted situations I can choose to stay calm, say nothing, agree, disagree, debate, negotiate, give in or walk away.
3. I matter. There is no one else in the world exactly like me. We are all unique. I value, love and celebrate how I am unique.
4. We are all doing the best we can. . . and that includes me!
5. If I am called weird I can tell myself weird means I have found my own way.
6. Whatever I feel is absolutely acceptable. Feelings are not right or wrong. They are my emotional compass to tell me what I value.
7. Regardless of how I feel, I can wisely and carefully choose my words and actions.
8. Sometimes I will feel needy. We all feel needy at times—desiring respect, acknowledgment, support or appreciation.
9. It’s OK to ask for what I want. It is OK for others to say, “Yes”, “No”, or “It depends”.
10. I can choose who to trust. I will put trust in others’ follow-through and behaviour before I will trust their spoken intentions.
11. I can face difficult challenges. I have done hard things before. I can feel the fear and do it anyway.
12. I can do anything for a short period of time if the ultimate goal is important to me.
13. I learn from my mistakes. By using my fine brain I continually learn.
14. I deserve love, respect and appreciation.
15. I can count my blessings with gratitude to uplift my thoughts.
16. I can focus on kindness, compassion and good deeds.
17. I have the right to be treated fairly by others.
18. Every day I can describe what good has happened to me.
19. I can choose my thoughts, beliefs, dreams, goals and relationships or hang onto them any time I want.
20. I can choose people to support me who reciprocate with appreciate gestures.
21. I can choose to believe, I am OK. You are OK. We can respect one another.
22. I can choose when to act with assertiveness, passiveness and aggressiveness.
23. I can develop my mental, emotional, social, creative, social well, and spiritual being.
24. I am a deserving human being as are others—doing the best that we can.
25. I am a lovable, capable, resourceful, and resilient.

Five Optimistic Quotes

1. “While you can’t control your experiences, you can control your explanations.”  Martin Seligman
2. “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” A. A. Miln
3. “God grant me the serenity, to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” Attributed to Friedrich Oetinger, 1702-1782, and to Reinhold Niebuhr, “The Serenity Prayer”, 1934
4. “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'” Mary Anne Radmacher
5. “If I am not for me, who is. If I am only for me, what is the point?” Ancient philosopher, Hillel

Please check out these related posts:

• Return to Center: Simple Strategies to Navigate Distress. .
• Using Metaphors to Transform Your Negative Self-Talk
• Optimistic: Think with an Upbeat Perspective

Bonus! Five Tips to Think Like an Optimist