Make Optimism Part of Your Routine
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." — Helen Keller
For unpaid family caregivers, perhaps nothing plays a more important role than an optimistic mindset. It fuels our hope and belief that challenges can be managed, as well as our confidence, which leads us to take action and seek solutions. This combination helps prevent burnout by fostering resilience, persistence, and a sense of purpose—even during the most difficult times of caregiving.
Realistic optimism is more than simple positivity. It’s a driving force that makes long-term caregiving sustainable by taking a more balanced approach: acknowledging the positives without being overwhelmed by the negatives. Paired with self-belief, realistic optimism empowers us to persevere and create positive outcomes in the most challenging of circumstances.
3 TOOLS TO CULTIVATE REALISTIC OPTIMISM:
1) Visualize the Best Possible Outcome – Pair this with identifying realistic steps to get there, creating both motivation and a practical roadmap.
2) Practice Self-Compassion – Treat yourself with kindness when things don’t go as planned, which makes it easier to stay hopeful without self-blame.
3) Surround Yourself with Uplifting People – Connect with peers, friends, or support groups that encourage balanced, hopeful thinking.
I love the idea of creating a Daily Optimism Routine that works for you. One that helps sustain hope, protect your mental health and wellness, and prevent burnout:
Morning (5–10 minutes) – Set the Tone for the Day
Gratitude + Reality Check – Write down 1 thing you’re grateful for and 1 challenge you anticipate today. Then, note one small action you can take to address that challenge.
Optimism Affirmation – Say aloud something like, “Today may have challenges, but I am capable of meeting them one step at a time.”
Midday (2–5 minutes) – Recenter and Reset
Pause & Reframe – If something goes wrong, take 3 deep breaths and reframe the situation by asking: “What’s one thing I can still do?”
Energy Check – Notice your stress or fatigue level. If it’s high, take a short restorative break—stretch, drink water, or step outside for fresh air.
Evening (5–10 minutes) – Reflect and Reinforce
Progress Review – Write down 1 thing that went well and 1 thing you learned today, even if it didn’t go as planned.
Small Win Celebration – Acknowledge an action you took—big or small—that moved you forward.
Kind Closure – Remind yourself: “I did what I could today, and that is enough.”
Consider starting and ending your day with a practice of realistic optimism and you’ll be on your way to seeing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks.