“The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” –William James

Optimism is more than just a positive mindset—it’s a life-changing approach to overcoming challenges and thriving in the face of adversity. While optimism may seem like a natural trait for some, it can also be developed, a concept pioneered by psychologist Martin Seligman in his groundbreaking theory of learned optimism. Seligman’s research into optimism, along with his more recent work on the PERMA model, offers a roadmap to flourishing in all aspects of life.

Seligman, often regarded as the father of positive psychology, introduced the idea of learned helplessness in the 1970s after discovering that individuals can become conditioned to believe that they have no control over their circumstances. Later, Seligman pivoted from helplessness to focus on the opposite—learned optimism, the idea that people can train themselves to adopt a more positive, constructive mindset.

Learned optimism, as Seligman explains, is a skill. It involves recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns, then replacing them with more realistic and optimistic perspectives. Individuals who practice learned optimism are less likely to suffer from depression, experience better physical health, and are more resilient in the face of life’s difficulties. Optimism,........

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