#19 Learned Optimism

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Hi,

Welcome to the 19th Edition of Think Visuals Newsletter!

The theme of this edition is Learned Optimism. The intent is to nourish your intellect with some powerful resources and tools around the theme, that will positively ignite you towards the desired outcome of Personal Growth.

I have curated the following for you:

1. Visual Summary of the book Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman

2. Infographic 12 Ways to be Realistically Optimistic

3. Useful Resource, Video on Why great thinkers balance optimism and pessimism

4. An interesting Quote to ponder, that resonates with our theme.

5. Calvin & Hobbes - Always a helpful reminder to keep our inner child alive :)

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Happy Visual Synthesis :)

Shilpa

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1. Visual Book Summary

In this edition, we explore the book & concept of Learned Optimism: How to Change your mind and your life by Martin Seligman.

Learned optimism is a concept from positive psychology’s founding father, Martin Seligman, that argues that we can cultivate a positive perspective. It is a concept that says we can change our attitude and behaviors by recognizing and challenging our negative self-talk, among other things.

Nothing can substantiate this better than this powerful quote : “Life inflicts the same setbacks and tragedies on the optimist as on the pessimist, but the optimist weathers them better.” Seligman, 2006, p. 312

Here is my Visual Summary of the core concepts from the book, followed by some powerful quotes that resonated with me.

“A failure or a defeat can teach you that you are now helpless, but learned helplessness will produce only momentary symptoms of depression—unless you have a pessimistic explanatory style.”

“We all become momentarily helpless when we fail. We feel sad, the future looks dismal, & putting out any effort seems overwhelmingly difficult.”

“Learned optimism works not through an unjustifiable positivity about the world but through the power of non-negative thinking.”

2. Infographic - 12 Ways to be Realistically Optimistic.

Life experiences are interpreted through our own internal filters. How we explain events to ourselves is a key factor in how we respond. Humans consistently search for meaning to explain life events.

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present -Lao Tzu.

Optimism is a mental attitude characterized by hope and confidence in success and a positive future. Optimists tend to view hardships as learning experiences or temporary setbacks. Even the most miserable day holds the promise for them that "tomorrow will probably be better."

Here’s my Infographic on 12 Ways to be Realistically Optimistic. These are some really simple methods and a good stepping stone to work towards nourishing am optimistic mindset.

3. Useful Resource - Video

Check out this interesting video on Why great thinkers balance optimism and pessimism The video emphasizes on how we make our own purpose, we make our own joy & how we have the extraordinary capacity to sculpt and mold our lives. By curating circumstances, we essentially co-author our experience. Optimism is about looking for the beautiful in every possible experience. We can engineer serendipity by the choices we make every moment.

4. A Quote to Ponder

5. Calvin and Hobbes

That’s all for now. See you in the next edition :)