Always look on the bright side of life




 

 

Do you feel good about where your life is headed, or would you like to have greater control over it? Do optimistic people think or behave differently?

One key to achieving optimism and lowering stress levels is to find ways to take greater control over one’s life, according to a new study.

Sixty- six percent of Americans say they feel in control of their lives, and their lives are headed in the right direction, reported Lincoln Financial Group’s “MOOD of America” study.

So how can one be more like them?

Grasp the future. Researchers uncovered several consistent behaviors and attitudes that are strongly associated with feeling in control of one’s life, all of which revolve around not letting money or a job define one’s worth.

Upbeat Americans are driven by a mind-set that they can always find ways to solve problems. And they seem to have struck the right balance between finding time for fun things they enjoy and taking the necessary steps to secure their futures.

“Americans who feel in control of their destinies share a common mind-set focused on positive, constructive behaviors every day,” said Mark Konen of Lincoln Financial Group.

Simple steps to optimism. There are certain behaviors one can adopt for a positive impact. Consider these top five behaviors of Americans who feel in control of their lives:

They value and cultivate personal relationships.

They volunteer in their communities and give to charity.

They take quiet time to be alone and think.

They exercise and spend time on hobbies.

They adhere to budgets and save for retirement.

Not surprisingly, those who said they felt in control have taken concrete steps to build financial security, such as establishing retirement accounts and owning other financial products, including life insurance.

They are also more likely to stay within their budgets and save money from every paycheck, regardless of amount.

It’s not about money. One of the secrets of optimistic Americans, according to the research, is they are not driven by the desire to be wealthy.

Instead, Americans “ in charge” consider financial freedom— having enough money to do what they want—to be four to five times more important than being wealthy.

According to the new research, the key to optimism is adopting a mind-set centered on the fact that it’s within one’s power to control one’s destiny. And while taking steps to build a secure future, it’s equally important to take time to enjoy life.

Courtesy State Point Media.


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