The Optimism Advantage: 50 Simple Truths to Transform Your Attitudes and Actions into Results

226 Pages·2010·1.23 MB·English

by  Terry L. Paulson

Acquire Optimism and Change Your Life On and Off the Job $24.95 USA/$29.95 CAN
(continued from front flap)
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Wouldn’t you rather be an optimist than a pessimist? In the good and the tough times, this
Each chapter in The Optimism Advantage U
book provides you with a road map to an optimistic outlook that works. Learn how to turn
features a dynamic range of callout boxes, L
your anxiety and worries into attitudes and actions that produce results. You’ll refer to this
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insightful quotations, and exercises to help
book over and over again to master the simple but powerful truths optimists live by.
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you discover and develop your optimism. In
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addition, this accessible book is packed with Discover how easy it is to:
(cid:127) Stop being your own worst enemy and become your best supporter
inspirational stories of optimism in practice,
(cid:127) Manage your own motivation instead of being dependent on others
drawn from history, today’s headlines, and T Whether in good times or tough
(cid:127) Experience more peaks and fewer valleys
the ordinary people who are accomplishing times, optimists make a difference.
(cid:127) Make today count by turning adversity into opportunities H
extraordinary things every day.
(cid:127) Become a problem solver instead of a problem evader
Even in the face of an economic downturn,
(cid:127) Foster optimism in those you lead and live with E
Effectively employing your optimism offers the anyone who says optimists are in denial is mis-
(cid:127) Take your life choices seriously and yourself lightly
most realistic approach you can take to over- informed. Optimists are actually the fi rst peo-
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come your challenges. The Optimism Advan- “Masterful! The Optimism Advantage supports the thesis that we control our attitude ple to admit they have problems. They’re more
tage provides you with the tools you need to and our actions. Live every chapter of this book, and you’re more likely to have a great P likely to realistically evaluate their problems,
life of happiness and achievement!”
access your own resourcefulness and persis- and the fi rst to do something about them. Op-
—Don Hutson, coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestseller,
tence, and leverage one success into the next. The One Minute Entrepreneur, and CEO, U.S. Learning Inc. T timists reframe challenges as opportunities,
I and this makes them highly effective problem
“This is a must-read for any leader committed to producing results in both good and
M solvers. Optimists as leaders help teams turn
bad times.”
downturns into strategic progress. Are you
—Gordon Peters, CEO and Founding Chairman, Institute for Management Studies
P
h I such an optimist? Do you want to be?
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to: M “Terry Paulson goes beyond hyperbole and hype to address the principles and practices S
a of optimism.” Terry Paulson’s The Optimism Advantage em-
rk Bra —Mark Sanborn, leadership expert and author of The Fred Factor and The Encore Effect M powers you to use real optimism to create
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des “The Optimism Advantage collects Dr. Paulson’s wisdom and insights into a resource positive results in the real world. Grounded in
TERRY L. PAULSON, PHD, CSP, CPAE, is that belongs in every library. Don’t just read it once; read it until it sinks into how you live A cutting-edge positive psychology research, this
and lead! This book is a true keeper!” unmatched resource offers proven techniques
widely considered to be the preeminent ex-
—Terry L. Bream, RN, MN, Ambulatory Clinical Practice Administrator, Kaiser Permanente D and practical strategies that will reenergize and
pert on the human side of change manage-
reorganize how you face your work and life.
ment. As a professional speaker, columnist, “While others may be swept into fear, frustration, and uncertainty, this breakthrough V
and author, Dr. Paulson has been helping or- book gives you practical tools to leverage the Optimism Advantage. BUY this book; a
A With The Optimism Advantage, you’ll:
more rewarding and signifi cant life awaits.”
ganizations, leaders, and teams make change
—Dr. Joseph Michelli, CEO, The Michelli Experience, • Stop being your own worst enemy and
work for over thirty years. N
and author of The Starbucks Experience and The New Gold Standard become your best supporter
www.optimismadvantage.com T • Foster optimism in those you lead
Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, a hall-of-fame speaker, and a leading authority on
• Build healthy habits to improve your attitude
turning positive psychology research into practical insights and commonsense truths A
that are easy to learn and sure to produce real-world results. • Practice constructive self-criticism
Jacket Design and Illustration: G • Successfully dispute negative self-blocks
Leiva-Sposato Design Claim your Optimism Advantage! It’s practical. It works! What are you waiting for? • Embrace action and change
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• Catch yourself being effective
• Find strength in humor and simple pleasures
• Let your optimism spread to those
around you
• And more
TERRY L. PAULSON, P D
H (continued on back flap)
ISBN: 978-0-470-55475-3
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Praise for The Optimism Advantage
‘‘Inlifewehavecontrollablesanduncontrollables.Dr.TerryPaulsondoesa
masterful job in The Optimism Advantage of supporting the thesis that we
controlourattitudeandouractions.Readandstudyeverychapterofthis
bookandyouwillincreasetheprobabilityofhavingagreatlifeofhappiness
and achievement!’’
—DonHutson,coauthorofthe#1NewYorkTimesBest-Seller,
TheOneMinuteEntrepreneur;andCEOofU.S.Learning,
Memphis,TN
‘‘Terry Paulson is refreshing in that he teaches what he practices. His
panoramic view ofthe researchon optimism coupled with his thoughtful
insight and experiences as a psychologist make this a book we can all
benefit from reading. He goes beyond hyperbole and hype to address the
principles and practices of optimism.’’
—MarkSanborn,LeadershipExpertandAuthorofTheFredFactor,
YouDon’tNeedaTitletobeaLeader,andTheEncoreEffect
‘‘Iamoptimisticthatthisbookwillbeabestseller.HenryFordoncesaid,
‘Whetheryouthinkyoucanorwhetheryouthinkyoucan’t,you’reright.’Terry
Paulson’snewestbook,TheOptimismAdvantage,willshowyouhowyoucan
see the opportunity in every encounter!’’
—Dr.TonyAlessandra,AuthorofCharisma,
andHall-of-FameKeynoteSpeaker
‘‘TerryPaulson’sbookTheOptimismAdvantageremindsusthatoptimismis
a learned skill. This book is notthe traditional self-help hype buta book
thatprovidestried-and-trueprinciplesthatinspirepersonalresponsibility
forlivingthelifeyouhavealwaysdreamedabout,asonlyanoptimistcan
do. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan on having my 13-year-old
daughter read it as well.’’
—JodiWalker,CSP,ProfessionalSpeakerand
AuthorofShareAKindWord:HowtoUsetheInfinite
PowerofWordstoEnhanceYourLife
atHomeandatWork
E1FFIRS 01/27/2010 11:18:46 Page2
‘‘Shifting one’s perspective in life requires more than a positive attitude.
Rather,it’sanapproachtoliving with optimismandambition.Dr.Terry
Paulson lays out a clear and attainable vision for purposeful and joyous
living. His tremendous expertise and meaningful insights contribute
measurably to this insightful book.’’
—Dr.NidoQubein,President,HighPointUniversity,
andChairman,GreatHarvestBreadCompany
‘‘No psycho-babble here. Paulson puts it plainly and pleasantly: Life as a
leader,boss,parent,partner,orspousecandriveyoucrazyunlessyoumaster
your attitudes and actions. His book provides the perfect prescription.’’
—DiannaBooher,AuthorofTheVoiceofAuthority:10Communication
StrategiesEveryLeaderNeedstoKnowandBooher’sRulesofBusiness
Grammar:101FastandEasyWaystoCorrecttheMostCommonErrors
‘‘This book is about creating personal hope, filled with lessons and truths
thatwillinspireyoutonotjustbelieve,butconfirmthattheglassismore
than half full.’’
—ShepHyken,Best-SellingAuthorofTheCultoftheCustomer
‘‘Whatanimportantbookforsuchatimeasthis!Thisisnotjustasimple
selfhelpbookthatsaystothinkdifferently—Terrytellsushowtoactually
takethestepstochangeyourattitudeandyourlife.Toliveandtosucceed,
this is a must read.’’
—BertDecker,CEO,DeckerCommunications,Inc.
‘‘This is the best time for you to take advantage of what Terry has to say
about optimism. He is the master, and this book is a must! Don’t let
setbacks keep you from the progress you deserve.’’
—ThomasJ.Winninger,FounderofWinningerInstituteforMarket
Resilience,Authorofsixbooks,includingGetOutoftheBoat:
DiscoverthePurposeofYourLife
‘‘Results! That’s the key that Terry Paulson shares in The Optimism
Advantage. This book is filled with more than Truths. It actually shows
youhowtoturnthoseTruthsintoResults.Ifyou’restuck,thisbookisthe
starter’s pistol. Pull the trigger—buy it—read it—get results.’’
—WMitchell,CPAE,’08–’09Presidentofthe
GlobalSpeakersFederation
E1FFIRS 01/27/2010 11:18:46 Page3
‘‘TheOptimismAdvantagewillmotivateandinspireyoutodoyourbestand
be your best, no matter what’s happening around you, no matter your
current circumstances. I highly recommend it.’’
—RobertB.Tucker,
AuthorofInnovationIsEverybody’sBusiness
‘‘Optimism can be a chosen habit and a learned skill. Take Dr. Paulson’s
message to heart and learn to cultivate a healthier, more productive
mindset.Inallchallengeswecanlearntoseeopportunities.Wecanlearn
toovercometheemotionsofgloomandguideotherstoabetterpath.Make
this your advantage; read this book often!’’
1
—JimCathcart,AuthorofRelationshipIntelligence
‘‘The Optimism Advantage is clear, succinct, and has great transferable
concepts that the reader can implement immediately. This is a valuable
resource for professionals and leaders alike.’’
—H.JamesZinger,CSP,President,Hypmovation,Inc.
‘‘TheOptimism Advantageisamustread! Thislandmarkbookmaybethe
most important book you read this year. Each chapter is a road map to
navigate current circumstances and take dominion of both attitude and
actions. Important truths spring alive with profound stories and are then
madeactionable.Readthisbookanddiscoveramoredeeplyfulfillinglife.’’
—EliDavidson,M.A.,ReinventionExpert,
InternationalBest-SellingAuthorofFunkytoFabulous
‘‘Aleader’sjobistokeephopealive.Beforeexecutivescaneverexpectto
inspire others, they have to manage their own attitudes and actions. The
OptimismAdvantagegivesleadersallthepracticalinsightsandammunition
theyneedtomaintainapositiveattitudeandenergizeeverycommunication.’’
—PatriciaFripp,KeynoteSpeakerandExecutiveSpeechCoach
‘‘In order to turn your setbacks into comebacks, it will take faith, focus,
andfollowthrough . . . andalltheserequirethepowerofoptimism!Terry
Paulson has written a book that will change your inlook, uplook, and
outlook!ReadTheOptimismAdvantageandtellallyourfriendstoreadit!
You will change your life and the lives of those you love! I highly
recommend this book!’’
—WillieJolley,authorofTurnSetbacksintoGreenbacks:
7SecretsforGoingUpinDownTimes
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THE OPTIMISM
ADVANTAGE
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THE OPTIMISM
ADVANTAGE
50 Simple Truths to
Transform Your Attitudes
and
Actions into Results
T E R R Y L . P A U L S O N , P h D
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
E1FFIRS 01/27/2010 11:18:47 Page8
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LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData:
Paulson,TerryL.,1945–
Theoptimismadvantage:50simpletruthstotransformyour
attitudesandactionsintoresults/byTerryL.Paulson.
p.cm.
Includesbibliographicalreferencesandindex.
ISBN978-0-470-55475-3(cloth)
1. Optimism. 2. Attitude(Psychology) I. Title.
BF698.35.O57P382010
153.1—dc22
2009038778
PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica
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