A New Mindset for A New Year!
For many people, winter can be a tough time of the year. Students may feel stuck in the mud and struggling mentally, academically, or a little bit of both. The beginning of the year offers all of us a chance to reset and learn skills that can catapult us into the goals, mindset, and habits we want to explore in the following months. But where do we begin? That’s where practical optimism comes in!
What is Practical Optimism?
Practical optimism is a concept created by Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist, that focuses on actionable steps people can take to support their overall well-being. It’s a way of thinking that balances positivity with practicality, helping adults and children alike remain hopeful but not detached from reality.
Practical optimism differs from toxic positivity because it allows us to face challenges with confidence while still acknowledging the things that are difficult. It’s building a mindset that says, “Yes, that was hard and here’s why. BUT you can handle it, AND here is what we can do to pick ourselves back up.”
By teaching students to recognize their feelings first and then create a plan to move forward, we are helping them bend, not break, when they are faced with challenges. But what does that look like, and what are some steps parents can take to achieve it?
Three Keys of Practical Optimism
Practical optimism has eight pillars, including purpose, problem-solving, and processing emotions, to name just a few. Each of these pillars helps build a framework that supports the three overarching aspects of practical optimism, outlined below.
Practical Optimism is Realistic:
When challenges arise, it can be easy to sit on our feelings and play out the event over and over again. Though it may help at first, after a while, it could cause you to get stuck. When this happens, we need to come back to reality and move forward. Practical optimism asks you to look for constructive ways to deal with problems, not ignore them. What are the ways you can push through? From there, you can create a plan to take action.
Practical Optimism is Action-Oriented:
Science shows that when we envision the best possible outcome, we are more likely to achieve it. While visualizing our goals is the first step, we have to back them up with actions. When challenges arise, you can work with your teen to brainstorm a plan to move forward. What will it look like? What are some roadblocks? What do you do if you get stuck? Not only do actions help motivate us, but they also show teens that they have agency in their lives.
Practical Optimism is Skill-Based:
Like other healthy habits, practical optimism is a skill that is developed through time and by learning other techniques like coping skills, emotional regulation skills, agency, and reaching out for support. For example, one of the pillars of practical optimism is purpose. Purpose is a vital part of feeling fulfilled and an indicator of overall happiness. Discuss with your teen what they think their purpose is. Remind them that if they can’t find purpose, they have the ability to create it for themselves.
Give Practical Optimism a Try!
As parents and trusted adults, we can learn how to model emotional strength for students, build resilience in the face of anxiety and setbacks, and adopt daily habits that boost happiness. Students who adopt these skills have better health, greater achievements, stronger relationships, and improved well-being. The more we learn, the bigger impact we can have. Let’s see what we can accomplish together!
-
Is your student ready to start the year off stronger than the year before? Visit our website to book a tour with CMC and discover what sets our classes, community, and curriculum apart from the rest!