Practical Optimism summary

Practical optimism, also known as PO, is a transformative mindset that goes beyond merely coping with stress – it’s about cultivating a deep sense of self-worth that empowers us to thrive in every aspect of life.

Sue Varma, came to PO through a personal journey. It started with a health scare that led her to explore the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Through this therapy, she not only overcame her physical symptoms but also gained tools to manage her stress effectively.

This experience ignited her quest to understand how to prevent stress from manifesting as physical illness and how to help others do the same. In short, it led her to develop the tools of practical optimism. This approach combines the resilience of traditional optimism with proactive strategies for problem-solving and personal growth.

PO isn’t just about seeing the bright side of things; it's about taking practical steps to flourish in the face of adversity. Varma outlines eight pillars – or Ps – of PO, each offering actionable strategies for improving well-being: finding your purpose; processing emotions; problem-solving; developing a healthy sense of pride, building confidence and proficiency; being present; connecting with people; and practicing healthy habits. In the sections ahead, we’ll touch on all of these pillars. But let’s first be clear about the fact that PO isn’t a fixed trait, but rather a skill that you can learn and hone. You may have heard of the term “a growth mindset.” This is what PO is all about.

So let’s start with the first of those Ps: purpose. There are common misconceptions about having a purpose, the main one being that it’s a big, important, fixed thing and that it should be tied to your career. PO emphasizes that your purpose can stem from various aspects of your life and may evolve. And, importantly, it doesn’t require outside validation.

If you’re a bit fuzzy about your own purpose, you can gain clarity through a three-step plan: Acknowledge, Identify, Move forward – or AIM, for short.

The first step involves acknowledging and reflecting on your past decisions. Ask yourself, How did I get to where I am now? Do I have any regrets? How can I put these regrets away by learning from my disappointments and using that knowledge?

Next, identify your sources of meaning and joy. Then ask yourself, How can I add more of that into my life?

The final step is to take proactive steps toward a more purposeful life that contains more of that meaning and joy. Ask yourself, Are there mentors I can reach out to?

Take these steps and celebrate when you accomplish them.

PO is more than just an outlook on life. It’s a way of building resilience and keeping your mind focused on things that provide a sense of uplift and purpose. In the next section, you’ll find out how it can help you navigate the challenges in your life more easily.