Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life

This bestselling, widely lauded, book by Martin E. P. Seligman, Ph. D. was first published in 2006 and continues to be the penultimate resource for developing the optimistic lens.

This is a scientist with over twenty-five years invested in studying the defining characteristics of pessimists and optimists and how the former can adopt more of the latter’s attributes.

I appreciate how the book is divided, beginning with “The Quest,” which gives his background, the journey onto this study, and the science within. “The Realms of Life” looks at how the two tendencies are fair in the various elements of one’s day—family, work, sports, school, etc.- which is incredibly fascinating and surprising. Finally, “Changing” is the capstone step, and he shares how one can improve one’s life, health, success, and outcomes through optimism transformation. Seligman provides undeniable proof that individuals recovering from trauma, afflicted by mental health and physical ailments, and even those struggling to succeed at work, can make marked improvements through optimistic habits.

I only wish he had included a resource list in the appendix—places to learn more, tools and exercises, and places to connect with others on the same journey. While there are exercises and assessments that he and his team have used to prove their theories, which is certainly nice for the layman without access to such a renowned group of scholars, it would be great to have a little toolkit to practice with and build on.

If you didn’t think it was possible to be an optimist, you’ll be a believer after reading this and Dr. Seligman’s companion bestseller Authentic Happiness.

Source: Purchased & Image Courtesy of Vintage Books