Glass half-full or half-empty? What if it doesn’t have to be so black and white? Well, according to the YouthTALK team, a youth-led mental health promotion and engagement program, with realistic optimism, it doesn’t have to be!
Realistic optimism was the theme for February’s Wellness Works workshop, where YouthTALK members guided participants through: steps to take to stay optimistic, the significance of viewing life through a positive lens, and how optimism can have a positive effect on your mental health.
So what exactly is realistic optimism in the eyes of YouthTALK members? Haley states, “realistic optimism is when you have a goal in mind, and you allow yourself to feel hopeful about it, while also setting realistic standards and boundaries in order to allow yourself to make it there.”
Additionally, Sarah mentions, “in life, it is hard for every situation to be perfect. If an individual has the ability to balance out the positive and negative aspects of life, they are realistically optimistic.”
Realistic optimism is not always seeing the positive. Instead, realistic optimism is recognizing that obstacles exist, focusing on what we can control, and looking for opportunities to problem solve even during times of struggle.
So, how might we apply realistic optimism to our day to day life? Here are three ideas you can explore:
– self talk: What is that voice inside your head saying? What we say to ourselves matters and can shift our perspective. If we try phrasing statements in a more positive way, and talking to ourselves like we would a friend if things don’t go as planned;
– look for the lesson: What can this challenge teach you and what can you learn from it? There is always an opportunity for growth amidst struggle, though it may not seem or feel that way at first. It takes some intentional reflection to get to that lesson; and
– SMART goal setting: SMART is a popular method for setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. It increases your likelihood of success by guiding you to consider what is possible and some tangible actions you can take to get you where you want to go. Remember to celebrate the small wins along the way!
Our YouthTALK team shared how they’ve applied realistic optimism to their day to day lives.
In relation to COVID-19…
“During the pandemic, I had to quarantine, so I could not visit my friends, at times it got very lonely, but I was happy I got to spend more quality time with my family”
In relation to school…
“I performed poorly on a math test once but decided to focus on knowing I will strive to work harder and do better on the next one.”
In relation to balancing school, work and extra curricular activities…
“I knew deep down that I could do this if I made a plan and put some faith in myself. I created a schedule, adding enough time for a good sleep and self care. I urged myself to feel optimistic and hopeful in the fact that my hard work and dedication would pay off. And it did.”
These examples from our YouthTALK team truly speak to the power and impact realistic optimism can have. From transforming your mindset and having it as a solution to help you navigate new challenges that are thrown your way, to learning to not stress about things you can’t control and greatly improving your mood.
Realistic optimism has the power and ability to impact your mental health and life in a positive way.
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By Meghan Mills
This article was coordinated and submitted by Meghan Mills, a youth engagement facilitator with Mental Health Promotion and Education Services at CMHA Waterloo Wellington. The “Open Mind” column is sponsored by community partners who are committed to raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma and providing information about resources that can help. For local mental health resources/information, visit mdsgg.ca or call 1-844-HERE247.