“Optimism” has become a buzzword of sorts today. Unfortunately, its popularity has turned a lot of people away from its benefits. More often than not, people consider optimism an unachievable state of mind. It sounds too unrealistic, unattainable, and unsustainable to them.

In actuality, optimism is a powerful tool that can be used to improve one’s experiences and general well-being. There is, of course, such a thing as being “too optimistic.” In such cases, people refuse to believe that anything negative can happen to them. As a result, they may find themself in harm’s way if they continue to ignore red flags that shouldn’t be overlooked.

We encourage people to practice “cautious optimism” instead, which enables them to develop a positive outlook on life, albeit with caution.

For instance, forcing someone to “think positively” if they’re depressed or anxious isn’t the right thing to do as it dismisses and diminishes their negative experiences. Instead, developing cautious optimism can go a long way in helping people optimize their state of mind and live a better life while working on their unique issues.

Here are three ways you can get started:

1. Don’t Let Worries Constantly Cloud Your Mind

In many cases, people tend to fill their minds with worries, and it’s not necessarily because they can’t think of a positive outcome. For some individuals, worries serve as a filler for their brain. Filling one’s brain with worries keeps intrusive, anxious thoughts at bay. However, this practice can do a lot more harm than good, even if it’s used as a coping strategy.

If you struggle with subconscious anxiety, worries can take over your mind before you know it. This is where optimism can come in handy. Each time you think of something that could go wrong, train your brain to simultaneously think of something that can go right. It doesn’t have to be a list, even one positive facet will do.

As you turn your attention to the positive aspects of a situation, you’ll ultimately replace your worries with more positive thoughts. You’ll feel calm, in control, and at peace.

Recommended Read: Some Easy Ways to Give Your Self-Esteem a Boost

2. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is one of the most powerful and rewarding feelings in the world. It’s also a great way to practice optimism if it isn’t coming to you naturally. We recommend sitting in silence for between 5 and 10 minutes (or longer, if you can).

Think of everything you’re grateful for in life. A lot of thoughts, people, connections, feelings, and even objects will pop into your mind. Embrace them.

Who/what are you grateful for? Your family? Best friend? The honesty and reassurance that your partner provides? The self-care that you consciously treat yourself to every now and then? The sloppy kisses that your dog showers you with and you’ve grown to love? The beautiful snow globe that your father gifted you?

Think of anything and everything that brings you an overwhelming sense of gratification. This practice will increase your optimism quotient with time.

3. Reach Out to a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist

If you’re struggling to practice cautious optimism, we can help. At Blossom Hypnosis, we specialize in using cognitive behavioral therapy to a) help people practice cautious optimism, and b) treat a variety of mental illnesses.

Rekha has been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years and utilizes the power of hypnosis to help people with anxiety, depression, smoking, obesity, fears, and pessimism.

If you’re looking to benefit from subconscious mind healing techniques, schedule an online or in-person session today. Our clinic is based in Rochester, NY. In the meantime, we recommend learning how to prepare for your first hypnosis session.