Are You Really an Optimist?

I've met a lot of people over the years who claim to be optimists and then think and behave in profoundly pessimistic ways, for example: The person who says he (or she) really loves people but routinely treats them horribly. The key to living a truly meaningful, happy life is to love yourself so much that you automatically live optimistically. Here are some characteristics of a genuine optimist:

• Treats himself and others with kindness.
• Values love and compassion.
• Helps build a better world for as many people as possible.
• Does not exclude others from anything.
• Does not see himself as separate from others.
• Is actively healing his hurts.
• Does not behave in ways that damage others.
• Is not afraid of change.
• Is not stuck in the past.
• Is constantly learning and growing.

Optimists will do these things the majority of the time because they feel good about themselves deep inside and want to keep spreading good vibes. A major reason I enjoy providing life coaching for kind, sensitive, creative people is that they tend to behave in ways that demonstrate genuine optimism and hope. What tips would you give someone on how to be an optimist?

Cheers,
Guy