MARTIN SELIGMAN-Learned optimism

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This book teaches the frailities and irrational thoughts of human beings. It tells you that success is determined not only by aptitude and determination alone. If you have those two, and lack the most crucial ingredient-OPTIMISM, then you can fail miserably. This book teaches you how to deal with the problems that life throws at you constructively to avoid depression and hopelessness. A best seller book that can change lives, written by a PHD psychologist who is notorious for his work in the field of positive psychology. Everyone should have a look and find out how their internal thoughts are affecting their daily lives.

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Is that the book blurb, or what you think?

You must have read fast if these are your thoughts!

Seligman is well known in the area, and many find his ideas helpful.

Probably well worth a read, if you are asking for opinions.

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dlowan wrote:

Is that the book blurb, or what you think?

You must have read fast if these are your thoughts!

Seligman is well known in the area, and many find his ideas helpful.

Probably well worth a read, if you are asking for opinions.

I read half the book already, it helps when I read it, I begin to understand maybe some of the pain Ive suffered in my life is due to my own exaggerations and catastrophisation and pessimistic thinking. After putting down books like this, I start reverting back to my old ways of thinking. It doesnt really help in the long run. I read books like this to get a short, instantaneous boost.

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Well, it isn't an instant fix!!!!

You need loads of practice.

And I think a good therapist.

Anyhoo, I have said my piece about that. I won't be saying anything more about it.

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Theres these community health centres you or someone else mentioned to me, I will find them in the white pages and see somebody about my problems. Duno how long I will have to see them though. Thats what im worried about right now, having to see a shrink for the rest of my life

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James--

Quote:

Thats what im worried about right now, having to see a shrink for the rest of my life

Why are you assuming that you'll make no progress?

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Because Ive developed a hopeless view of my future

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Lol! Well then, do something, or give up.

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are you posting these just to become a guru?

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No, I am posting in an attempt to encourage you to decide to think/do something different from what you appear to have been doing so far.

Which was dumb of me, as I had already decided I had said as much as I wanted to, a policy to which I shall gkladly revert.

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How am I thinking/doing so far? I dont know how to change

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Start with your breakfast menu. What do you eat at present and what would you enjoy eating.

I'm very partial to cold pizza for breakfast.

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would you care to decipher that for me in laymans terms

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James wrote:

Quote:

I dont know how to change

No one can switch from persistent pessimism to optimism overnight.

Start with small changes. What do you eat for breakfast now? Do you enjoy it? What would you enjoy more?

For the next week, create and serve yourself a delightful breakfast--delightful for your tastes.

I think cold pizza is delicious, but feel free to skip cold pizza in your personally-designed menu.

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Noddy, I think that's an excellent idea!

You may find that out of habit; you are doing many things you don't even like! If you could have anything for breakfast; what would it be? Go ahead and get it for yourself!

I would strongly suggest carving some time into EVERY day; even if it is only for 10 minutes to start with, where you do something YOU enjoy. What you enjoy may be anything: So long as it is what you like, that's the ticket.

I have definetely had to LEARN optimism. I was a serious gloom-and-doom character for a long while. Don't expect big changes over night; just steadily plod away.......and don't forget to laugh WHENEVER YOU CAN. Smile

When we're stuck in negativity; we tend to take things a wee bit too seriously.

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10 minutes a day huh? doing something I enjoy doing huh? thats a good idea, what should i do to change my thoughts after this? After all I estimate that the bulk of my pessimistic habits started after about 16, when I fell under the pressure of the final exams year after year. Things should go smoother after I get out of uni where there are no more exams.

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flushd wrote:

Noddy, I think that's an excellent idea!

You may find that out of habit; you are doing many things you don't even like! If you could have anything for breakfast; what would it be? Go ahead and get it for yourself!

I would strongly suggest carving some time into EVERY day; even if it is only for 10 minutes to start with, where you do something YOU enjoy. What you enjoy may be anything: So long as it is what you like, that's the ticket.

When you pointed this out, I do realise that I am doing these activities that I dont like and dont spend enough time on those things that give me satisfaction, and also that I am spending time at uni with a bunch of people who give me no gratification at all, maybe its time I start to find people I really like and can accept on campus and in life in general.

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James--

You're getting the idea.

Don't be passive--explore. Life, particularly in your college days, should be a time of adventure and discovery.

Good luck.

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I dont see what there is to explore during these days. I feel like I have no direction in my life.

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James--

Tautology for the day: Quest for a Quest.

Do any of your courses interest you? Are you in any student activities?
Would you like to make friends?

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MARTIN SELIGMAN-Learned optimism

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