As an optimist, I can tell you there’s more to it than just seeing the glass as half full.

Being optimistic is not about ignoring life’s troubles. It’s about approaching these difficulties in a more hopeful and productive way.

Optimists have some secret practices they live by, which keeps them going even during the toughest times.

In this article, I’ll share 8 hidden practices that optimists, like myself, live by. These are not your typical “stay positive” tips, but practical habits you can incorporate into your everyday life.

1) Embrace change

Optimists don’t just tolerate change; they embrace it.

Change is inevitable, and while it can be uncomfortable, it often leads to growth. This doesn’t imply that optimists are reckless or impulsive. Instead, they understand that change is a part of life.

The fear of change can hold us back, keep us stuck in our comfort zones, and prevent us from reaching our full potential. Optimists flip the script and see change as an opportunity, not a threat.

They take the uncertainty of change and use it as a stepping stone towards something better. They see change as a chance to learn, grow and improve.

So next time you’re faced with a big change, try to view it as an optimist would – an exciting opportunity for growth.

2) Practice gratitude daily

One of the practices I adhere to each day is expressing gratitude.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and forget to acknowledge the good things in life. But optimists, like myself, make it a habit to count our blessings, no matter how small they may seem.

For example, every night before I go to bed, I write down three things that I am grateful for in my gratitude journal. It could be anything – from a productive workday, a lovely dinner with family, or even just a beautiful sunset.

This practice helps me keep things in perspective and reminds me that even on tough days, there’s always something to be grateful for. It’s a simple practice that has a powerful effect on my outlook on life.

3) Surround themselves with positive influences

Optimists are intentional about who they spend their time with. They understand that the people around us can greatly influence our thoughts and behaviors.

Research from Harvard University has shown that happiness is contagious. If you have a happy friend who lives within a mile of you, your chances of being happy yourself increase by 25%.

Optimists, therefore, choose to surround themselves with positive, uplifting people who inspire them to be better and see the world in a brighter light. They distance themselves from negativity and focus on building relationships that encourage positivity and growth.

4) Believe in their ability to influence their future

Optimists have a strong belief in their own agency. They believe that they have the power to shape their future, no matter what circumstances they may be facing.

This isn’t just blind faith or wishful thinking. It’s about taking responsibility for their life and making conscious choices that lead them towards their goals.

Instead of feeling powerless or letting external factors dictate their life, optimists take the driver’s seat. They believe that through their actions and choices, they can influence the outcomes in their life.

While they understand that not everything is within their control, they focus on what they can change and let go of what they can’t. This belief in self-efficacy empowers them to take action and make positive changes in their life.

5) See failure as a stepping stone to success

Everyone experiences failure at some point in their lives. It’s a universal truth. But optimists have a unique way of dealing with it.

They don’t see failure as the end of the road but rather as a valuable lesson. Every setback, every unsuccessful attempt, is seen as an opportunity to learn and grow.

This perspective takes a lot of courage. It requires you to open your heart to disappointment, to vulnerability. But it’s this very openness that allows optimists to transform failure into a stepping stone towards success.

They understand that failure is not a reflection of their worth, but rather a part of the journey towards achieving their dreams. It’s a practice that requires heart, resilience and an unshakeable belief in oneself.

6) Practice self-care regularly

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days, as wonderful as they are. It’s about taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

I’ve found that regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep have a profound impact on my mood and overall outlook on life.

There was a time when I neglected self-care, prioritizing work and responsibilities over my own well-being. The result was burnout, anxiety, and a significantly less positive outlook on life.

Learning to prioritize self-care, even when it means saying no to other demands, has been a game-changer for me. It’s a crucial practice that optimists like myself live by to maintain our positive outlook and energy levels.

7) Cultivate a growth mindset

Optimists have what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a “growth mindset.” They believe that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.

In contrast to a fixed mindset – the belief that our traits are set in stone – a growth mindset views challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

Optimists embrace this mindset, understanding that it’s okay not to know everything and it’s okay to make mistakes. What matters is the willingness to learn, grow, and improve.

This belief fosters resilience, motivation, and a positive attitude towards learning and personal development. It’s a powerful practice that helps optimists thrive in various aspects of their lives.

8) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, without judgment. It’s about experiencing life as it unfolds, rather than getting lost in worries about the past or future.

This practice allows optimists to fully appreciate the present moment, no matter how ordinary it may seem. It helps them stay grounded, reduces stress, and fosters a deeper sense of happiness and contentment.

Most importantly, mindfulness practice helps optimists maintain their positive outlook by allowing them to focus on the good in each moment, rather than getting swept up in negative thought patterns.

Final thought: The choice is yours

The beauty of these practices is that they’re not exclusive to those born with a sunny disposition. They can be learned, adopted, and cultivated by anyone willing to put in the effort.

Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, suggests that as much as 40% of our happiness is within our control, determined by our thoughts and actions.

So, whether it’s embracing change, practicing gratitude, or adopting a growth mindset, you have the power to influence your outlook on life.

Becoming an optimist isn’t about ignoring life’s complexities and challenges. It’s about choosing to focus on the possibilities rather than the obstacles.

It’s about understanding that while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control how we respond.

Remember, optimism isn’t just a state of mind. It’s a practice. And like any practice, it requires commitment and consistency.

The question is: are you willing to make that choice?