By Dr. Russ

1) Look at the Big Stuff

Before you get too stuck in the day-to-day negative trivia, step back and thank God for all the wonderful achievements here on earth.  Three biggies for me are: We have been to the moon; we no longer have to suffer Polio, and we can communicate instantly with anyone around the globe.

2) Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Small stuff is at worst mildly annoying – “Keep it in perspective” and have some fun and humor with it.  I was nicknamed “Rusty” to differentiate me from my father for whom I was named.  My family, to my chagrin, called me that “childhood name” into my adulthood.  But, perhaps I learned a useful coping skill.  Many times in my life, I have met someone who later calls me by a completely different name, say “Clarence.”  Instead of being upset that someone forgot my name, my response is mild amusement, particularly when someone else points out that I am not a "Clarence" but a "Russ." I think to myself what it would be like to have the name Clarence and whether I would have led to a different self-image. 

3) Don't Complain - Work Harder

Complaining without solving the problem is a form of learned helplessness. If you find yourself complaining, do an in-the-moment thought check, then look at the glass-- in that moment you are seeing it as half empty.  Now, focus away from your complaint to possible solutions, the glass becomes half full again. You have a path, a way forward to solving your problem.  I can't change the weather, but I can get out my “rainy day activity list” and have some fun.  

To Read The 5 Tips Follow Link

http://www.drrussbuss.com/optimism-blog/2011/11/3/five-tips-to-keep-the-glass-half-full-if-not-ov erflowing.html

Tags: Optimism Self Help