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Activities to develop optimism

Having an optimistic outlook involves more than just positive thinking.

Complete these activities to help develop the capacity to see your experiences as learning opportunities and so grow in your self-awareness. 

First things first

Consider whether you already have an optimistic outlook. . Answer this question:

What has been your biggest success at university so far?

Activity 1: Introduction to the growth mindset

The University of Manchester has developed a resource on explaining the growth mindset - how re-framing your approach to challenges can have a positive impact on your life.

Complete the growth mindset module (University of Manchester)

Activity 2: Positive thinking

Choose one of these guided meditation activities for more positive thinking.

Video

Feel more optimistic

This 10 minute positive thinking guided meditation can leave you feeling more optimistic about life, your future, and how everything will work out for you in the end.

https://youtu.be/SuuX7YKnfuc
Video

Positive thinking

This five minute positive thinking guided meditation can tap into the present moment and spark within you the ability to improve your positive thinking skills.

https://youtu.be/QfREanf59Sk
Video

Frustrated? Cool down and get peace of mind

A 10 minute guided meditation for working on frustration.

https://youtu.be/cZJAsW_5SRA

Now complete this worksheet to acknowledge your successes.

Mindfulness worksheet (PDF , 191kb)

Next steps: Get involved at York

University opportunities to help develop optimism:

Academic optimism

Personal optimism

Social optimism

Now reassess

Now you have looked through our resources and completed the activities, reassess your levels of optimism.

Optimism