You Can be an Optimist by MacDonald, Lucy -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Title Dedication Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Understanding optimism

What is optimism? Portrait of an optimist Emotional intelligence Self-esteem Resilience Happiness How optimistic are you? Can optimism be learned? Exercise 1: Make your self-talk positive Keeping an optimism journal

Chapter 2: Optimistic attitudes

Half full or half empty? Exercise 2: Count your blessings Preparing for success Exercise 3: Create abundance Dealing with setbacks Exercise 4: Stop your thoughts Deciding when to be realistic Exercise 5: What I know to be true Taking action Problem-solving Exercise 6: Use your right brain Exercise 7: Flex your thinking with famous people Self-fulfilling prophecies Exercise 8: What do you expect? Building confidence Exercise 9: Visualize confidence Reframing your thoughts Exercise 10: Look for the silver lining

Chapter 3: Optimism and your physical health

The mind–body connection Managing your health Exercise 11: Keep a health diary Stay healthy, stay happy Exercise 12: Plan your exercise routine Facing serious illness Exercise 13: Visualize a healing river Dealing with pain Taking a laughter cure Exercise 14: Look for laughter in the everyday Aging with attitude

Chapter 4: Optimism and your mental health

Optimizing your mental health Overcoming depression Managing stress Exercise 15: Activate your relaxation response Living with hope Finding peace of mind Immersing yourself

Chapter 5: Optimism in action

Optimism and success The optimistic couple Exercise 16: Create “couple time” The optimistic child Exercise 17: Show your child a positive future Exercise 18: Teach your child mastery The optimistic family Exercise 19: Take time to play Helping others to be optimistic Exercise 20: What’s the worst that can happen? Optimism in the workplace Exercise 21: Take control of your career Meaningful work, meaningful life

Conclusion Further reading Acknowledgments Copyright