Optimism Is...

Real Optimism

In my mind, real optimism is keeping on. In my mind, real optimism is continuing with your plan in spite of the news, weather, or other confusing or distracting life stuff. Baby Boomers have had enough life experience to know that there are always detours and potholes.  How you move past or around them is the key.

When you notice that you are stuck - that is the time to remember your vision of the world and yourself.

Ask:

What is holding me back?

What are my thoughts?

What habits have I developed that are dysfunctional?

What is the one thing I can do right now to get out of my own way?

Who can I call upon for support and who can I support?

You choose – What’s next?

Staying Focused

Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it 

into small jobs.
-Henry Ford

It's really easy to get negative. The news is full of pessimism, our friends are depressed, our parents are in need of more care and support, our kids always in need money. For those feeling like the filling in a sandwich- squeezed on all sides- what to do? Take a break from the barrage of down information.

HOW? 

I say, stay focused - on your vision, on what's working, where you want to go. Set SMART goals which are written and posted where you can look at them. I have my goals on the wall next to my computer where I can see them daily.

Ask yourself:

What do I want to accomplish this week? 

How does this fit into my vision?

What actions must I take?

What resources do I need?

How will I measure success?

Be sure your goals are SMART: 

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.

Read more about writing SMART goals: 

[ S. M. A. R. T. Starts Here ]

  

  

Goals are dreams with deadlines. -Diana Scharf Hunt

Are We There Yet?

"Seventy percent of success in life is showing up."

-Woody Allen

Are We There Yet?

Ever been in a car with kids - what do they ask?  Are we there yet? What have you said to yourself at 30? 40? 50? 60? 70?

Am I there yet?

As someone who has experienced marriage, divorce, parenting, worked as a nurse, social worker, educator, consultant, gerontologist/care manager, administrator, 

and coach - I have asked myself this question many times.

Obviously the answer has been NO - As the world changes, one changes.

Ask yourself, What Would I do If only? IF only I were younger, richer, thinner, smarter, more successful, etc, etc. Forget the IF Only, create a vision and set your goals. Do you want to be more financially stable, improve your relationships, be more creative? Whatever your goals, let them inspire and challenge you!

After all Verdi was eighty when he wrote Falstaff.

Tomorrow

"'Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did.  So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."  _ Mark Twain

I have lived enough of life to know that when today becomes tomorrow I want to have moved toward the life I want- in some small or even big way. The trick is to sort out the important from the clutter--- and act--- no matter what your age is.

In their book "Creating Your Best Life- the Ultimate Life List Guide" Caroline Adams Miller and Dr. Michael B. Frisch discuss the importance of life goals. This is well understood by several colleagues of mine. One is a psychotherapist, another a dedicated administrator in service to the ill elderly and yet another a gifted young artist and computer wiz. All have given serious thought to how they envision their lives and their most important priorities. They are fun folks with serious goals.

What are your life's goals?  And what will you do today and tomorrow?

Warmth,

Marilyn