The Neuroscience of Optimism

Dr. Andrew Newberg of Jefferson University Hospital reports, "Hope, faith, and optimism are the best ways to exercise your brain."  Our inner critic (pessimist) resides in the right pre-frontal lobe of our brain.  Our inner optimist resides in the left pre-frontal lobe of our brain.  Research shows that people who consistently maintain hope and optimism are the happiest and most successful people in the world.

Which voice do you choose to listen to?

Barbara Frederickson, one of the founders of Positive Psychology, recommends, "Every time you catch yourself having a negative feeling, focus on your attitude on three to five positive aspects of your life."

Begin with reviewing what went well today.  What did you do that helped others?  What are you grateful for?

The research shows if we do this for seven days, our self-esteem will grow for the following three months.