In episode 12 we talked about the power of optimism and courage: don’t underestimate the power that both these traits bring, and, what they can unlock. They can create change; drive you forward and deliver results that may seem impossible. Hello, it’s Sarah and I want to share the impact of optimism & courage and talk about some real life examples of how outcomes have changed for the better with exercising a positive mindset.
I want to caveat our conversation around this subject as anyone going through deep trauma and challenge may find this superficial and understandably so. Please understand that Lovoni and I are truly empathetic to all those in horrible situations, and losing weight and gaining health back may seem trivial. It some situations, of course it is. For many it is a true challenge though and effects mental as well as physical health, so is a topic worth exploring further and dive into how courage and optimism play a role.
The definition of Courage – ‘is the ability to do something that frightens you and displays bravery. It is showing strength in the face of pain or grief’. I would like to add strength in the face of difficulty in there too. The companion to Courage is Optimism – ‘hopefulness and confidence about the future or the success of something’
I feel that Optimism is only really beneficial if you are willing to put some kind of action to it to make change. Yes, an optimistic point of view is uplifting, gives courage and hope at a difficult time but the real catalyst of change is when you put some kind of action in place to help move forwards to the optimistic vision you have.
When thinking of the future I prefer the term Positivity, and putting in to practice the art of being positive and not defeatist. Positivity feels like it has more drive behind it for me, Optimistic can feel a little like wishful thinking. Both, more often than not, take Courage.
Looking back into our history we have stories of great courageous acts; in war, in protest, in recovery, in self-defence and many more. Some seemed such small decisions but with such great consequence.
Let’s consider Rosa Parks. She famously refused to give up her seat on the bus. That took deep courage, strength of character and bravery. But also required action. She did not move. She didn’t just say that one day she wouldn’t move, she took action and did not move. She knew there would be consequences from that decision, but she could never have known to what extent. She called upon optimism I am sure that it would work out, but used huge waves of courage to stand up (in fact sit down) for what she believed in, knew was right and wanted to do. She changed history.
Closer to home, when I was 24, I became really unwell and in summary a consultant told me that my future meant I couldn’t fly to travel, run, work a normal day or have children. I was devasted, I was only 24 years old for goodness sake and I cried for pretty much 3 days straight. Then I took a deep breath and looked ahead at what my future was panning out to be and decided I couldn’t live like that.
I was careful, but strong minded and basically started to do all those things that I was told I wasn’t going to be able to do. It didn’t seem all that difficult once I had decided what I needed to do; I was positive that I was going to do it differently. I changed my own story and future.
There are many many stories of people that face adversity and these kinds of decisions every day. Even within my own family and friends. Every single person has the ability to be brave and optimistic and probably find they do that every day to some extent.
If you have some time, look at the Facebook page ‘Finding Joy in the Cancer Journey’. Kiki and I met nearly 10 years ago and in 2017 Kiki was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The page and blog follows Kiki on her journey through treatment and healing and the incredible grace, positivity, faith and courage she showed is truly remarkable. She is an inspiration and the epitome of courage and optimism.
On researching traits and how a courageous and optimistic person behaves, I found many similarities and some of these are practical strengths and approaches:
- Picking the right time to battle
- Asking questions
- Say no when needed
- Be strong minded
- Show initiative
- Listening actively
- Be respectful
- Think big
So how can these actions apply to what may seem small or unimportant to others, your own health and lifestyle, but should be fundamental and of high value to yourself?
I’m guilty of pushing the importance of my own health aside. I forget about it, make it a low priority compared to my other daily tasks or ignore it for the sake of having excess food that isn’t healthy for me or not doing the exercise I know I need.
If I, and we, can turn this decision and task into one of importance then we can face it with courage and optimism. Give it the respect it deserves. It can feel daunting, especially we if are carrying a lot of excess weight and it seems an impossible task to get rid of it, or we are so unfit that walking just 2 minutes up the road is exhausting. It is easier to ignore than to take action, to stay in clothes that are uncomfortably tight or sit on the sofa and watch TV. But what if we were brave enough to face up to the reality of the situation and be strong minded to makes the changes needed?
The power of being ‘content’ is strong though. It can take over and brain wash you to take the easy way out. It allows you to ignore the clutter in your home, ignore the overspending and waste with food, ignore your health not being what it should and your clothes getting tighter. Because the daunting task of change seems hard, maybe even impossible and the easier path of doing nothing is a tempting one or maybe seem like the only option.
But do you know what, you are not a tree. You are not stuck where you are, you have the ability to change even with baby steps. They add up! But you are going to have to call upon your courage and optimism to do it.
So, calling on the traits of successfully courageous people, how are we going to do it?
Picking the right time to battle
Don’t try to transform your entire routine if you are eyes deep in something big happening in your life at the moment. Make small changes now that are cope able and then dive into bigger changes later on but don’t ignore what needs to be done all together.
Asking questions
Research, read and ask for tips on how others are doing it. Emulating can be the best way to learn and add tools to your ‘kit’ and give you confidence.
Say no when needed
Say no to situations that you know are going to set you off course or people that are going to encourage you to veer off. Not forever but put your own needs first while you are making these changes and allow you to keep a positive frame of mind.
Be strong minded
Get really clear in your own mind why you are doing this and what you really want.
Show initiative
Show initiative and make actions for yourself. Make food plans for your shopping and your day’s meals. Set time aside for a walk, or skipping rope session or going to the gym. Plan ahead for those times of day that you know are going to be challenging. What’s your back up plan? Get your shit together and own it, no one or nothing can undermine it then.
Listening actively
Ask others to support and encourage you, people you trust and then listen to what they have to say. With a supportive team behind you, you are far more likely to stay positive.
Think big
Feel the fear and do it anyway! Think big with your ambition but small with your actions. Overwhelm can be real but we have said it so many times before I know, but take small steps.
I visited Tanzania in 2018 and our guide used the Swahili phrase ‘Polepole’ meaning Slowly, Slowly. He told us the ones that do not make it to the top of Kilimanjaro are the ones that rush. Take your time and you will make steady progress. Polepole, Slowly Slowly will get you there but please don’t shrink your sights because of it.
Your own mountain can be climbed. It will take optimism and positivity that it will be achieved and the courage to face it and take the actions needed to make the changes.
Let’s embrace the challenge, use the power of optimism and courage and make the changes for better.
“The best days of your life are ahead” Mel Robbins
