Change From Pessimism To Optimism: New Book Shows You How

August 16, 2006

University of Kentucky psychology professor Suzanne Segerstrom has a

new way of looking at the glass half empty or half full question. " If

you want my opinion, it probably just needs to be washed, " she said.

Segerstrom explores how optimists get what they want from life and

how pessimists can too in her new book " Breaking 's Law "

hitting the sales racks Aug. 15. In the book, Segerstrom sheds light

on the practical habits and skills optimists use to get what they

want from life. Along the way, she challenges everyone else to learn

from them.

" Dispositional optimists are people who naturally believe that more

good things will happen to them than bad, " she said. " Because success

seems like a sure bet, they don't hesitate to spend time and energy

chasing their dreams. "

In " Breaking 's Law, " Segerstrom shows pessimists how to join

the " positive feedback loop. " " The more success you achieve through

optimistic action, the more likely you are to believe and behave

optimistically in the future, " she said.

Segerstrom lays out examples, guidelines and practical tips to undo

optimism-suppressing thoughts, break free from the inertia of self-

doubt, pay attention to unexpected positives, plan well and work

hard, resist the temptation to give up, and celebrate small

achievements. The benefits might not be immediately obvious, but

Segerstrom tells skeptics to stick with the program until they see

results. " Exercising personal strengths, making progress toward

goals, and tasting success are immensely pleasurable, " she said.

Still, there are a few risks.

" Optimism is powerful stuff, " Segerstrom said. " Despite your best

efforts, you might develop a cheery attitude that friends and co-

workers will find terribly annoying. "

Segerstrom has conducted extensive research into psychological

influences on the immune system, and on the relationship between

optimism and well-being. She is also the winner of the Templeton

Positive Psychology Prize, awarded in recognition of her work on

optimism.

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