- Some events make me unhappy.
- I can't change those events.
- I can change the way I perceive those events.
- Changing my perception changes my feelings.
- I can change the way I feel about events by changing the way I perceive those events.
- temporary vs. permanent
- specific vs. general
- external vs. internal
Optimism = reacting to setbacks from a presumption of personal power
- Bad events are temporary setbacks
- Isolated to particular circumstances
- Can be overcome by my effort and abilities
- Bad events will last a long time
- Will undermine everything I do
- Are my fault
The Optimist reacts from a presumption of personal power:
- Good events will last a long time
- Will shore up everything I do
- Are due to my effort and abilities
- Good events are temporary happenstance
- Isolated to particular circumstances
- Can be sabotaged by my efforts and actions
Reference
Learned Optimism by Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.




