According to Harvard Business Review, optimism plays a big part in the success of a job search. Whereas unhappiness serves an important function in the workplace, such as telling us it’s time for a change, such negativity and pessimism can actually hurt us once we start looking elsewhere for new opportunities. A positive mindset is much better “fuel for the journey.”
- See Remaining Optimistic in a Job Search for more information.
Why is this? Optimistic thinking encourages us to take positive action steps. Since we expect good results when we are optimistic, we believe that our behavior influences the positive changes that will occur. For those who have recently lost their job, optimists are usually quicker to bounce back, updating their resumes, searching for job information on LinkedIn, and networking with former colleagues. Pessimists usually take longer to jump into action after losing their jobs.
If someone lands an interview, optimism helps here as well. Research has shown that optimists are five times less likely to burn out and three times more likely to be highly engaged in their jobs when compared to pessimists. For example, optimistic sales professionals outsold their pessimistic colleagues by 37% in one study. Optimists also make more money over their careers and are more satisfied with their job choices.
The takeaway is that our mindsets are our own creation—we can work on it to make it better. Focusing on the positive aspects in life can actually retrain the brain to think in more optimistic ways.
Therefore, to become more optimistic, think of three new things every day that you’re grateful for. You can also send a two-minute email to someone every morning to praise or thank him or her. Focusing on the most meaningful moment from the past 24 hours is also a great way to build optimism and positivity.
SwitchandShift.com notes additional benefits of positivity in the workplace.
Positivity leads to vitality in the workplace. According to Martin Seligman, the “father of positive psychology,” vitality is an infectious sense of “aliveness and awareness.” When we see our positive actions paying off and leading to good results, we are energized and feel good.
Additionally, workplace optimism leads to clarity. Optimism often follows when we understand what is expected of us and when we know why we are assigned certain tasks. Knowing our purpose makes us feel good.
Finally, positivity and optimism fosters a sense of community and belonging in the workplace. A sense of belonging can work wonders for the workplace, as employees are happier when they feel they are working with a strong team of individuals.
Ultimately, optimism and positivity have strong impacts on the workplace and on the employee. Changing one’s mindset to become more positive is one of the best steps one can take to enjoy a strong sense of satisfaction at work.
Source: Harvard Business Review
Photo credit: zengerfolkman.com
