By Hannah Tenney
With Election Day having just passed, and with a new president in the horizon, it’s no secret that there’s been some political tension in our society. People from all around the country cast in their votes for what some have said to be the most important election year yet. Polarization seems to have erupted throughout the nation, causing feelings of anxiety and stress for many Americans.
In times like these, it may be hard to see that life will turn out well, especially if the election didn’t go the way you wanted it to. Fortunately for us, the election results don’t have to determine our mood and outlook on life. Instead, we have the opportunity to choose to be optimists! I think it’s safe to say that we all generally know what optimism means, but what if I told you that being an optimist is so much more than looking on the bright side?
Understanding Optimism
Our mind is like a stage. Thoughts come and go every second of every day, and as directors of the entertainment, we get to decide which thoughts deserve the spotlight and which ones don’t. As we put the spotlight on more deserving thoughts, we’ll be able to emulate greater happiness in a world that might feel as though there aren’t many things to be happy about.
Being a good director of our own thoughts, however, is a lot harder than it might sound. As Alison Ledgerwood stated in a 2013 TedTalk, “Our view of the world tends to tilt toward the negative.” In other words, it is so easy to put the spotlight on thoughts that are not meant to enhance our well-being and distract us from positive experiences. So how can we be better directors of the stage in our minds?
Battling the Negative
There are many ways we can teach ourselves how to be better optimists, but one of the best strategies that researchers have found is through applying principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a newly developed type of therapy that is SO cool! The teachings are simple, yet can have such a profound difference in one’s day to day life. So let’s quickly go over what some of these teachings are, shall we?
1. Accept thoughts and feelings
Many of you may have had thoughts running through our minds such as, “I can’t believe our country is such a mess right now,” “We’re screwed!,” or even, “What’s the point of voting if nothing good is going to come from it?” Let’s face it—thoughts like these are bound to come, and with them, some uncomfortable feelings. But you know what? That’s a part of being human. These thoughts are okay, as long as you accept them as just that—thoughts! Next time you notice a frustrating thought or feeling, don’t buy into it. We tell ourselves stories all the time. Instead, tell yourself, “I’m having the thought that…” or, “This is an interesting story I’m telling myself.” The pain behind the thought might still be there, but the spotlight won’t be as bright because we don’t give it as much attention.
2. Connecting with your values
Focus on your core desires. What’s really important to you? With whom do you feel at your best? What constitutes your good life? Form goals that align with your values and shine the spotlight in that direction. You might find that the show is more captivating because of its personal meaningfulness to you.
3. Take action
Now that you’ve been able to recognize your thoughts and values, you have the opportunity to make the changes you want to see in life. Instead of trying to change things that are outside of your capacity, work towards moving in a direction that is of value to you even while experiencing emotions and thoughts that are not the most comfortable. Perhaps there is an opportunity in the community that you would like to get involved in so that your voice is more greatly heard. Or perhaps the first change you realize you need to make is the need to implement a self-care routine. That way, when your world seems to be falling apart, you can at least have the surety that you as an individual are strong, capable, and in one piece.
Moving Forward
As the next presidential term approaches, let’s use optimism as a tool to stay hopeful and happy for our country’s future as well as for our own personal lives. Remember that optimism doesn’t mean we reject the negative feelings we may have, but rather embraces the good that we do feel. Whether you’re for Trump, Biden, or neither, the positivity that the world needs today comes from within yourself and not from external circumstances. Politics matter, my friends, but so do your efforts to find it within yourself to choose optimism despite things not going the way you planned.