The Power of Optimism

by Alan Loy McGinnis

Book Overview

Outlines 12 characteristics of optimists and shows how to take specific measures to stave off discouragement and keep motivation high. The author provides mental techniques for maintaining a cheerful... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060653620
• ISBN13: 9780060653620
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 163 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Practical Ideas for Overcoming Pessimism

"According to Freud, the repression of emotion is the source of all neurosis." ~ Pg. 140 Alan Loy McGinnis read almost a thousand biographies before writing this book. Through his reading he was able to identify certain traits optimistic people possess. He also presents a thoughtful account of what it means to be an optimist. I think I only disagree with the author once because I've personally seen people take pleasure in being a pessimist. I encounter this a lot since I live my life in a mostly positive way. This book is filled with stories of people who chose to be optimists and these stories show how people become more adaptable, take action, feel appreciation, take action against their negative thoughts, give and receive more love in their lives and like to swap good news instead of bad news. I think this book would be excellent for anyone who is depressed or is leaning in that direction. If you are a pessimist this book may encourage you in the direction of healing. There are many stories throughout that make the teachings personal and meaningful. Here are some items that will lead you to more optimism: Spontaneous Optimism: Proven Strategies for Health, Prosperity & Happiness Deepak Chopra: The Happiness Prescription It's All in Your Head: Thinking Your Way to Happiness Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out What Happy People Know: How the New Science of Happiness Can Change Your Life for the Better Smilosophy: Getting More Smileage Out of Life ~The Rebecca Review

Excellent Material

Accomplishing goals, living a worthwhile life, and getting along with other people are all part of McGinnis' stragetgy for living abundantly. Optimism is an intangible force that has practical consequences. McGinnis describes it as a "can-do" philosophy. A quote he takes from William James brings the theme of individual control out even more when he writes "The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." McGinnis argues that this mind-set can result in people being elevated to the top of their fields. In part this is because activity results when people are optimistic. Without action entropy causes a system to break down. It is through active involvement that entropy is successfully overcome. Activity is stimulated as optimists create and maintain synergy with like minded associates. Reading is another form of stiumlation found among this group. Even more important than relationship maintainence and good reading, McGinnis stresses the importance of prayer. Optimistic achievers are perpetually young regardless of their chronological years he points out because "regardless of their age, they have a stubborn belief that their personal best is yet to be." More good news is reported in that optimism can be leaded. He says he read almost a thousand biographies and analyzed the lives of many successful people before drawing the conclusions he makes in this wonderful book. I highly recommend it.

Wonderful...!

... I have found this book is such an amazing one. Doctor McGinnis is such a wonderful psychiatrist. Listenning to his audiobooks made me feel delighted, more positive about my life and everything around me. I just wanted to say "Thanks" to him. I have learned much from it. Everything that he mentioned and taught was not only for depressed individuals but for the optimistic persons as well. I hope he could continue to write books and have more audiobooks available for all of us.