Motivating the Mind: A Journey from Pessimism to Bright Optimism
During the beginning of 2020, when the coronavirus was spreading, strict measures were put in place to limit movement and enforce quarantine. These changes affected my mental state negatively. To counter this, I started engaging with social media accounts to promote positivity. Some of the tips were quite unique, like imagining yourself as a lion while looking in the mirror, with the belief that this visualization could shape a positive reality
As time has passed, I’ve learned to recognize trustworthy sources. Among them, TEDx Talks have proven to be exceptional resources, along with accounts that share uplifting quotes about cultivating a positive mindset or regularly post motivational content. I hold high regard for those who share true stories supported by evidence and speak from their own experiences.
Through my observations of others. I wondered if they actually had fulfilling lives or if they were just hiding their struggles while showing an image of success through their positive attitude that most people can’t achieve. I can’t provide a definitive answer to this, but I do know my own story and thoughts. So, let me tell you my story.
I considered the potential influence of our genetic makeup on shaping our tendencies toward optimism or pessimism. During my formative years, I held a remarkably pessimistic view of life. Wednesdays, in particular, would cause me anxiety as I perceived them to bring bad luck. I even associated the number 7 with negativity, as if it were a sign of upcoming misfortune.
Even more, I have grown up with bad habits, such as Back in the days when I was a teenager. Whenever I felt down, I used to isolate myself and allow negative thoughts to storm me. It would take me days before I could break free from this cycle and resume my normal activities. That was the worst way to deal with negative thoughts. Letting them take control of my thoughts was an everyday challenge.
But everything changed during the two years before the pandemic, when I worked aboard and positive people surrounded me. This experience made me understand the vital impact our environment has on how we see things. This has been a consistent theme in my life. Before that, most of the people I knew tended to be pessimistic.
At that time, I delved into the realm of understanding why negativity often ruins people’s lives. I launched on a journey of exploration, seeking answers and insights. My initial inquiry circled around the role genetics might play in shaping our positive or negative thinking tendencies. I turned to trustworthy sources like the National Library of Medicine to shed light on this matter.
“Genetic factors appear to play an important role in most human characteristics19 and wellbeing is no exception. Heritability estimates for different conceptualizations of wellbeing typically range from 0.30 to 0.5020–25.”
After carefully considering the information provided above, the first wonder came into focus: I don’t know whether I possess naturally positive or negative genetics, but at the very least, I can acknowledge my tendency towards pessimism. However, the shift in my environment, along with the company of optimistic people, significantly influenced me and changed my perspective. This shift was profound enough to convince me that even though I possess a pessimistic tendency, I can consciously choose positivity.
This realization pushed me to take the next step in my journey—the pursuit of my ultimate goal: cultivating a positive mindset. In the upcoming second part of this story, I will unveil my path toward achieving this transformation. I invite you to subscribe and join me on this journey as I share my experiences and insights for free.
