Our belief that we can control the direction of our life and that things can change for the better is one of the factors that help us to be more resilient.  Realistic optimism – held in check with a healthy sense of reality.

When you hit rock bottom, maintaining positive emotions becomes crucial, yet so difficult.  We lose our self-confidence, become dependent on others, doubt our own abilities and generally spiral into negativity.

How do we turn it around?  Firstly, we need a strong grasp of our personal values and beliefs and how they align with our goals and with our friends, family and colleagues. We need to change negative thoughts and beliefs about our abilities and focus on our past successes and our strengths, building our self-confidence.  We need to build a spirit of optimism.  As Thomas Edison said “I have not failed 700 times.  I have not failed once.  I have succeeded in proving that these 700 ways will not work…”

Secondly, we need to stay in problem solving mode, especially when there is so much uncertainty around.  Look at the situation from different perspectives and find more creative ways to respond to the issue.

Lastly, stay positive and realistically optimistic even when times are really tough.  Laughing is good.  Watch a funny movie, make a date with friends who lift your spirits, take a risk and do something different.  And believe that you have the will and ability to turn things around.

In the words of a sage character in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel:  “In the end, everything will be alright.  If it is not alright now, then it is definitely not yet the end.”