Self-Change and Positive Psychology
Part I: Self-improvement project
Introduction
Pessimism is defined as the tendency of a person always to have expectations of the worst from a particular situation or be more anticipative of negativity. This trait is believed to impact on the mental health of a person as well as a notable adverse effect on one’s physical health. Researchers have proved a significant association of pessimism with anxiety, sleep disorder, depression, high blood pressure, hostility, lifestyle, and choices of behaviors that significantly affect the overall wellbeing of a person (Vassallo & Reed 2018). After discovering these shocking truths, I chose to be optimistic, an attitude characterized with hope and confidence that the future is a success or a particular situation will be better as time goes by.
The burden of coping up with Crohn’s disease and pessimism was the hardest thing I ever withstood. I had been an ordinary person with a balanced state of pessimism and optimism. The pessimism level escalated in 2009 when I was diagnosed with digestive tract infections; the condition is known as Crohn’s disease, with numerous inflammation and pain (Scheier & Carver 2018). Everything in my life darkened that day. I couldn’t have the same perception of life as the one I had before the diagnosis. Since I was relatively young, I felt that everything was at a standstill, and the probable thing I expected was death. I couldn’t consume whatever I wished due to the massive dietary restrictions that I received from the doctor. I spent most of the time alone due to the more considerable pain that I was experiencing. I couldn’t even share the table with my family since my diet intake was irregular (Scheier & Carver 2018). But I came to learn that I’m the only one who is in charge of my happiness, so I chose optimism for a happier and more vibrant social life. The journey to transformation and acquiring this anew attitude was not a smooth road. However, I managed to address the issue and overcome pessimism.
Methods I used to attain optimism
For one to achieve buoyancy, the correct state of mind is required; they help us to accomplish the ultimate goal of confidence sequentially. They include focusing on the solutions and not a problem, self-evaluation, seeking improvement techniques, minimizing obstacles, and acknowledgment of small wins, and the ability to nurture a happy body.
The source of my pessimism was health conditions. This implied that any means that seeks or improves my bodily wellbeing restores my optimism. I sketch a dietary schedule. It contained food options that are under the recommendations of the doctor. Though I missed the program once in a while due to groceries being expensive, my dad was very supportive. He made sure he collected everything I required and would remind me often. I also developed a positive mantra that suppressed negative thought, “I am the only one responsible for my happiness.” The vibe kept me on toes and motivated.
Results of the routine
The results of the practice were notable in the first months of my undertaking. My dad would happily state, “wow, this must be the lucky day to us, have the pleasure to share dinner with us.” Also, during the nature walk at the local arboretum, I found out to have increased my weight by 4 kilograms in a month. My friend Johnny would happily request for my dietary approach to gain weight. It was during the same moment that I made another three friends. My mum would acknowledge the change in my overall mood.
Discussion
Self-change is concerned with enhancement or improving ones’ aspect of life. The process of change is complicated and requires strict guidance to realize it. Goal setting process and designing of an action plan follow and later the review of the progress.
Positive psychology discusses the positive aspects of human life, such as wellbeing, happiness, and flourishing. Simply put as optimal functioning that seeks to discover factors that allow communities and individuals to thrive. It involves the study of three levels; feeling good rather than being good or doing good. The second stage is to explore the constituents of a good life and the qualities of being right (Lopez, Pedrotti & Hoffman, 2019). The final step is the development of traits that promote citizenship and communities.
Based on the knowledge of self-change and positive psychology, I would change on my social in. My major strengths include patience, optimism, kindness, and humbleness. I have weaknesses as well, such as reduced time management, glumness, and being a chronic (Compton & Hoffman, 2019). The process of self-change is a bit challenging. It is accompanied by failed expectations, role-conflicts, and strain to remain committed to bringing change. The people who are around you are not supportive or fail to share plans with a supportive one. This makes it difficult to change oneself. On clear recognition of the ideal self, a person can attain emotional comfort (Compton & Hoffman, 2019). The ideal self captures one’s hope, aspiration, and wishes, and they act as a motivator in self-change process. Positive psychology and knowledge of ideal-self helped me achieve optimism.
Part II: My ideal future
Having an insight into the future motivates one to do present undertaking with the zeal required. Self-visualization has been an exercise I’ve been practicing for a few months now. It helps virtually see how my future will be like. Things that I desire so much to have attained by then and something that I will be doing by then. When I close my eyes and think of my ideal self, there are a few things that prominently stand out to me, something that I need to improve or change in my life. I see myself in my beautiful and quiet home with a large, private yard. A hobby shed to get lost in with my spouse and my two grandchildren. I’m skydiving, or flying a motor
glider, or hitting a mountain trail with my dogs. I’m happy with my job and good at it.
I’m also more positive about every undertaking and more patient.
The life indeed would be pleasant in this sense, having worked hard in my youth and
invested much, the flow of pleasure and enjoyment will be immeasurable. Experience would be fun
obviously after much attention and contributions to eudemonic motives. Life would as well be a good life due to metamorphosis that would have occurred in my company, the friendship circle as well as my relationships. I visualize that by then, I would have lived a meaningful life (Vittersø,2018). I believe that my current undertaking and hard work would continue to impact other people’s lives positively.
REFERENCE
Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (2018). Dispositional optimism and physical health: A long look back, a quick look forward. American Psychologist, 73(9), 1082.
Vassallo, J., & Reed, J. (2018). The Effects of Pessimism, Anxiety, and the Use of Profanity on Gender.
Lester, Jake. (2019). “7 Steps To Writing Your Simple Self-Improvement Plan”. Facilethings.Com, https://facilethings.com/blog/en/7-steps-to-writing-your-own-simple-self-improvement-plan. Accessed 1 Apr 2020.
Compton, W. C., & Hoffman, E. (2019). Positive psychology: The science of happiness and flourishing. SAGE Publications.
Lopez, S. J., Pedrotti, J. T., & Snyder, C. R. (2018). Positive psychology: The scientific and practical explorations of human strengths. Sage Publications.
Vittersø, J. (2018). Do it! Activity theories and good life. Handbook of wellbeing. Salt Lake City, UT: DEF. https://www. nobascholar. com/chapters/19.