LibraryAware cockeyed optimism

March is National Optimism Month

"But I'm Just a Cock-eyed Optimist ..."

Are you a cock-eyed optimist? A grumpy Eyeore? Is your glass half-full or half-empty?

Although genetics dictates your emotional make-up, it is possible to learn coping mechanisms, and maybe even change your brain.

Take a look at some of these self-help books on the science of optimism.

The Joy Compass : Eight Ways to Find Lasting Happiness, Gratitude, and Optimism in the Present Moment
by Donald Altman

Award-winning motivational speaker and workshop leader Altman presents a pocket guide to using the events of daily lives to awaken gratitude, contentment, calm, and well-being in every moment

Going the extra smile
by George Foreman

The former heavyweight champion explains how new levels of happiness and achievement can be obtained through optimism, faith, resilience, forgiveness, and seeing the best in others, in a book with personal stories from the author

Bright-sided : how the relentless promotion of positive thinking has undermined America
by Barbara Ehrenreich

The best-selling author of Bait and Switch exposes the downside of America's penchant for positive thinking, which she believes leads to self-blame and a preoccupation with stamping out "negative" thoughts on a personal level, and, on a national level, has brought on economic disaster. 150,000 first printing.

Always looking up : the adventures of an incurable optimist
by Michael J. Fox

The Hollywood celebrity and author of the best-selling Lucky Man shares the personal philosophy that has helped him to get through some of the darkest times in his life, discusses the course of his battle with Parkinson's, and reveals how he endeavors to find happiness in everyday gifts.

Resilient : how to grow an unshakable core of calm, strength, and happiness
by Rick Hanson

New York Times bestselling author Dr. Rick Hanson shows you how to develop twelve vital inner strengths hardwired into your own nervous system. Then no matter what life throws at you, you'll be able to feel less stressed, pursue opportunities with confidence, and stay calm and centered in the face of adversity.

Rethinking positive thinking : inside the new science of motivation
by Gabriele Oettingen

A psychology professor describes how positive thinking actually distracts people from success by leading to daydreams and fantasies instead of hard work, and offers the process of “mental contrasting” as a means to better motivate a person toward their goals. 25,000 first printing.

Authentic happiness : using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment
by Martin E. P. Seligman

The author argues that happiness can be a learned and cultivated behavior, explaining how every person possesses at least five of twenty-four profiled strengths that can be built on in order to improve a life. Reprint. 50,000 first printing.

Learned optimism : how to change your mind and your life
by Martin E. P. Seligman

An authority on cognitive psychology and motivation documents the positive effects of optimism on the quality of life and provides a program of specific exercises designed to break the pessimism habit while developing an optimistic outlook.

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