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Simple enough, right? It’s safe to say a lot of us follow the A-B-D path, or maybe A-B-E (eventually). What is so easy for us to forget is how amazing every single day can be. We get so caught up in the daily grind of school, work, and everything else we have going on that we forget that, in the grand scheme of things, we all have a lot to be thankful for.
Who am I to remind you to remain on the side of optimism? Well, no one really. But I’m challenging myself, and in turn challenging those of you who are reading this, to distance from the feelings of dread and resignation. Follow the A-C-E path. Set your alarm clock to go off a few minutes earlier - and in that 5 or 10 minutes, think about life - the good and the bad, and do a little reflecting. If you’re unhappy with your current situation, whether it be working in a cubicle doing something you have no interest in, or being unemployed after looking for work over the past several months - put everything in perspective and embrace your situation. It’s only a matter of time before you’ll get where you want to be. Life is about continuing to learn and grow, and we’re right in the middle of it all.
Before heading out the door - do some things that make you happy, Have an extra bowl of cereal. Watch that episode of Saved by the Bell you’ve already seen 583 times. Go for the morning jog you always say you don’t have time for but wish you did. Blast the latest Lady Gaga tune and don’t feel ashamed (although it’s important to consider roommates and neighbors). MAKE TIME for yourself and wake up each new day with a feeling of excitement. Excited about something you may already know that’s coming. Excited about what surprises the new day may bring. Excited about life. And then enjoy it, every minute of it.
Great post! I'm Gen X (born 1981) so while I am optimistic, I also share the Gen X characteristic of being cynical.
The Gen Y optimism is amazing and I do hope it lasts after you all graduate from college and enter the "real world."
If your optimism is not shattered after layoffs, unemployment, career changes, life-altering circumstances, then Gen Y is going to shine and thrive and rule.
@Benita - you are among the oldest and first of Gen Y, not Gen X
From the Boomers, who got it from their parents of the Depression Generation:
"Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, aim for somewhere in between."
You know what I like about this post? It's specific. It gives concrete suggestions about how to find time to focus on the positive aspects of life. It doesn't tell me to just be positive, or to shun anything that isn't relentlessly happy--it says, "There are a lot of good things out there. Find a few minutes to think about them."
And it's true. There are a lot of good things out there, and it's easy to get caught up in the sweep of events without thinking about them. Doing that can lighten an otherwise bleak day, or at least remind you that there may be better things on the other side.
You are totally right. We should make time for ourselves and start every day with an open mind. I've written recently about making the most of every day, and having a positive outlook is definitely the right way to start.
@ Tim - most generational studies, research, etc. put people born in 1981 at the end of Gen X and Gen Y begins at 1982 so arguably at best, I am borderline Gen X/Gen Y. It's very confusing!
Sorry I'm just now getting to respond folks - I'm glad many of you took this to heart and (maybe) were a little inspired. How have you all followed up to this idea? Are you waking up with a different and improved state of mind?
@Benita - It's funny that you mention both cynicism and optimism in the same paragraph. The two sort of go hand and hand in a weird way - believe me, there are days when my cynicism and pessimism get in the way of everything - I was thankfully lucky enough to line myself up with a good job after graduating from college last May, but I'm far from content with my situation, which is good, it makes you human and keeps you from being bored. Eye of the tiger - all the time. It's all a state of mind.
JRandom42 - 'Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, aim for somewhere in between'. Makes sense, but I think you sell yourself short if you aim for somewhere in between. Yes, if you have to be realistic and always be prepared, and if you always have ridiculously high expectations, there are going to be letdowns - but it's important not to settle. I've been guilty of that, and that is exactly the first step toward getting stuck in a rut that's tough to get out of.
KateNonymos - Thanks for the comment! I wanted to be somewhat specific and offer some tangible suggestions rather than simply come off as preachy. We all know if we keep a positive state of mind we'll lead better lives - that's easier said than done, but by doing little things like waking up a few minutes earlier to reflect, making yourself a wake-up playlist, stopping by your favorite local coffee shop to grab a cup of joe before heading into the office - these type of 'personal routines' can really make all the difference in the world in improving one's state of mind.
Samantha - It's all about having a positive state of mind. It seems so simple but we have a choice to be in a bad mood or a good mood - just go with the latter and make the most out of every situation.
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