#Learned optimism by martin seligman how to#
#Learned optimism by martin seligman series#

“A pessimistic attitude may seem so deeply rooted as to be permanent.

Yes, of course it is, and there is great news for that. … They may even live longer.” – Martin SeligmanĬonsidering these differences between optimists and pessimists, isn’t it much more beneficial to look on the bright side of life rather than on the dark side? Optimists are more likely to get elected for public office than pessimists. Optimists believe in themselves much more than pessimists do. Seligman’s research has shown that optimists do much better as students, as workers, and as sports players than pessimists do.

I enjoy reading books that are practical, and “Learned Optimism” is definitely a practical book. These findings are revealed and discussed so that we can better understand what it is to be human and what we can do to improve our lives. He shares his findings and what that means for the reader. I enjoyed learning about the many experiments and studies that Seligman has conducted throughout his career. “Pessimists give up more easily and get depressed more often.” – Martin Seligman Too much fear leads to a severely limited life. That being said, it doesn’t help to indulge in fear too much. Yes, one is healthier than the other, but there are times now and then when fear can be useful and even a lifesaver. It could be said that optimists live by faith and that pessimists live by fear. With that quote, Seligman provides the context for what he will cover throughout “Learned Optimism.” There are differences certainly between optimists and pessimists. Confronted by a bad situation, they perceive it as a challenge and try harder.” – Martin Seligman They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case. The optimists … think about misfortune in the opposite way. “Pessimists … tend to believe bad events will last a long time, will undermine everything they do, and are their own fault. Differences Between Optimists and Pessimists You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about yourself and others, and you’ll have the chance to apply learned optimism to your daily life. Through this book review of “Learned Optimism,” I’ll tell you about some of the immense value contained within Martin Seligman’s ABCs of flexible optimism. Psychology gets into our way of thinking and how that affects every area of our lives. In “Learned Optimism,” Seligman extensively reveals research that he has conducted throughout his career as a leader in practical and positive psychology. Psychology explores why people do what they do. With flexible optimism, you can be an optimist the vast majority of the time and you can be pessimistic on those rare occasions when that would be beneficial.

#Learned optimism by martin seligman how to#

explores the differences between optimists and pessimists, how those differences affect each of them throughout their lives, and how to be a flexible optimist so you can bring about greater results in your life. “Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life” by Martin E.P. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through my link. Learned Optimism blends hard-edged science with practical advice to give us an understanding of how we hold ourselves back and how we can change for the better.This post contains affiliate link(s).

* Avoid feelings of helplessness and depression Seligman's principles of reasoned, flexible optimism will help you: More powerful and pragmatic than a simple program of positive thinking, Dr.

#Learned optimism by martin seligman series#

Martin Seligman, a pioneer in cognitive psychology and motivational research, tells you how to identify your own self-defeating thought patterns - and how to harness the powers of your conscious mind to break those patterns.īased on years of rigorous research, Learned Optimism examines the importance of 'explanatory style' - the way in which we explain our problems and setbacks to ourselves - and offers a series of exercises that will help you target unhealthy habits of pessimistic thinking and bring them under your control. Without knowing it, most of us impose limits on our achievement and our happiness by approaching life's problems and challenges with unnecessary pessimism.