Rather than choose optimism, they choose to get mired down. Psychologist Martin Seligman says that those who are mired down see negative circumstances as permanent (this can’t change), pervasive (the circumstances are against me) and personal (there’s something wrong with me).
None of those things are true.
Bad times aren’t permanent. On the other side of trouble is a better time.
Bad conditions aren’t pervasive. In difficulties there are seeds and threads to change things for the positive.
And, decidedly, it isn’t personal. In every setback, there are lessons learned, alternative paths to pursue, education to pursue and opportunities for growth and understanding.
You can choose moving from the mire. It’s choosing optimism and hope.
