Testing Optimistic Thinking: How Trying Something New Can Shift Your Perspective and Improve Your Well-Being

It’s easy to fall into the trap of negative thinking, especially when we face challenges that seem unrelenting. When you're overwhelmed by stress, disappointment, or uncertainty, it can feel like things will never get better. Thoughts like “This is just how it’s always going to be,” or “I’ll never be able to change this,” can take over, creating a sense of hopelessness. However, this kind of thinking doesn’t just hold us back—it can also negatively impact our mental health and well-being.

But what if there was a way to break free from that cycle? What if, instead of focusing on all the reasons why things won’t improve, we started testing out more optimistic ways of thinking—ways that involve taking action, trying new things, and experimenting with approaches that might actually help?

In this blog, we’ll explore how testing more optimistic ways of thinking—even when it feels difficult—can help you create positive change in your life. We’ll also discuss how trying new activities or strategies can give you the space to break free from unhelpful thought patterns and move toward a healthier, more hopeful mindset.

Why Optimism Matters

Optimism isn't about ignoring life's challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about cultivating a mindset that focuses on the possibility of improvement rather than staying stuck in a negative, fixed view. Research has shown that optimistic thinking can have profound effects on mental and physical health. Optimistic individuals are generally better at coping with stress, have lower levels of depression and anxiety, and tend to have more positive relationships and better physical health.

However, being optimistic doesn’t always come naturally, especially when life feels heavy or overwhelming. It takes practice and intention to shift our thinking patterns toward the positive. But the good news is that you don’t have to completely change your mindset overnight. Testing new ways of thinking—even small adjustments—can help you start building a more optimistic outlook.

Testing Optimistic Thinking: It’s About Trying, Not Believing Right Away

The key to shifting your mindset is testing out new ways of thinking instead of forcing yourself to immediately believe things are going to get better. This approach is less about jumping straight into positive thinking and more about taking small, proactive steps that open up the possibility for change.

Here’s how you can start testing more optimistic thinking:

1. Challenge the Negative Thought Loop

When you catch yourself thinking “Nothing will ever get better” or “This is hopeless,” try to pause and question the validity of those thoughts. Ask yourself, “Is there evidence to support this thought?” or “Have there been times when I thought things were hopeless but they eventually improved?”

This technique helps you detach from your negative thoughts and see them as just thoughts—rather than facts. It’s an important first step in moving away from pessimism and toward a more balanced perspective.

Example: If you think, “I’ll never get better at managing my anxiety,” ask yourself, “Have I ever managed my anxiety better, even if just for a little while? What small changes or actions helped me feel more in control?”

2. Test New Strategies and See What Helps

Instead of assuming nothing will work, try testing out different strategies or activities that may help improve your well-being. This could be something as simple as trying a new coping technique when you feel overwhelmed, or engaging in a new activity that you've always wanted to try. You might be surprised by how these small changes can shift your mood and energy levels.

Why It Works: Testing new strategies or activities allows you to experience firsthand what works for you, even if it’s something small or unconventional. This hands-on approach helps you gain a sense of control over your life, which is empowering when you feel stuck in negative thinking.

Example: If you’re feeling stuck or low, instead of stewing in those emotions, try a quick walk outside, try journaling, or call a friend to talk. These activities might not “solve” the problem, but they could provide relief, even if it’s temporary. Over time, you’ll discover which activities help you feel better.

3. Focus on Action, Not Just Thoughts

Optimistic thinking isn’t just about changing the way you think—it’s also about changing the way you act. When you focus on taking positive actions, even small ones, it can help break the cycle of hopelessness. This creates a sense of progress and accomplishment, which in turn fuels more optimistic thinking.

Instead of waiting for your thoughts to change, focus on doing something positive that aligns with your goals or values. This can create momentum that shifts your outlook over time.

Example: If you feel discouraged about your job search, instead of thinking, “I’ll never find a job,” take one small action like updating your resume or applying to one position. When you see that you’ve taken an active step, you may feel a bit more hopeful about the future.

4. Be Kind to Yourself When You Try and Fail

Optimism doesn't mean you never experience setbacks or difficulties. It means being compassionate with yourself when things don’t go as planned and recognizing that challenges are part of the process. If you try something new and it doesn’t work out, instead of falling into negative thinking (e.g., “I knew it wouldn’t work” or “This is hopeless”), focus on the effort you put in.

Why It Works: Self-compassion is a powerful tool for cultivating optimism. When you are kind to yourself, you reduce the likelihood of self-criticism and negative thinking, which can keep you stuck in a cycle of despair. Being compassionate helps you stay resilient and keeps you motivated to keep trying, even when things don’t go perfectly.

Example: If you try a new exercise routine and don’t see immediate results, instead of feeling discouraged, remind yourself, “I’m doing something positive for my health, and I’m building a habit. It’s okay to take it slow.” This approach keeps you moving forward, even if progress feels gradual.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Often, we’re so focused on long-term outcomes that we forget to celebrate the small victories along the way. Celebrating your small wins, whether it’s making it through a tough day or completing a small task, reinforces the idea that you are capable of achieving your goals and that things can get better over time.

Why It Works: Acknowledging small wins helps shift your focus away from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. It builds momentum and boosts your sense of accomplishment, which fuels your motivation and optimism.

Example: If you’ve been feeling down about a project, instead of focusing on everything that’s still left to do, celebrate the progress you’ve made so far—whether it’s finishing a task, learning something new, or simply taking action.

6. Practice Gratitude

When life feels heavy, it can be hard to see the positive. However, practicing gratitude can help you reframe your mindset and encourage more optimistic thinking. Even on tough days, try to reflect on one or two things you’re grateful for—whether it’s the support of a loved one, something positive that happened at work, or a moment of peace in your day.

Why It Works: Gratitude encourages you to focus on the positives, which naturally creates a more optimistic outlook. It helps shift your attention away from what's wrong to what is going well in your life.

Example: Every evening, take a moment to write down or mentally note three things you’re grateful for. This simple habit can train your brain to see the positive and reduce the tendency to dwell on negativity.

Conclusion: Shift Your Thinking by Taking Action

Instead of getting stuck in negative thinking patterns that make you feel like things will never get better, test more optimistic ways of thinking by taking action. The process of trying new things—whether it’s changing the way you think, testing new coping strategies, or simply taking small steps toward a goal—can help you break free from feelings of hopelessness.

The key is to approach the shift toward optimism with curiosity and experimentation, not pressure. By giving yourself permission to test out new strategies, make mistakes, and celebrate small victories, you’ll start to see that change is possible, and things can improve. Over time, you’ll develop a more hopeful outlook and a greater sense of control over your life. So, why not start today? Try something new that might help, and test how it feels to shift your mindset in the process.