The Addicted Mind Podcast

TAM+ Episode 44: Unlocking Your Inner Optimist: How Your Attention Shapes Your Reality


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Ever wonder why two people can experience the exact same event but walk away with completely different emotions? 

In this fascinating episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the science of optimism and reveal how our attention shapes our reality. They explain that optimism isn't about ignoring negative experiences or forcing positivity – it's about training our brain to process both positive and negative information in a balanced way. 

Through practical examples and evidence-based strategies, they show listeners how to break free from negative thought spirals and develop genuine optimistic thinking. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or just want to build more resilience, this episode offers simple yet powerful tools to help you unlock your inner optimist and transform how you experience life's challenges.


Download: Unlocking Your Inner Optimist Worksheet

Click Here to Join the TAM + Community. Get the support you need.

Our Deep Dive is now in the community, where we discuss this episode in depth.

Key Topics
  • The difference between toxic positivity and genuine optimism
  • How attention bias affects our experience of events
  • The science behind optimistic versus pessimistic thinking
  • Three evidence-based strategies for developing optimism
  • The role of physical movement in changing perspective
  • How optimism builds resilience and creativity
  • Practical daily exercises for training your brain

  • Timestamps

    [00:01:27] The power of perspective: Same event, different experiences

    [00:03:42] The science behind attention and optimism

    [00:05:19] Why this isn't toxic positivity

    [00:09:30] Introduction to practical strategies

    [00:09:54] The two-chair technique explained

    [00:11:28] The daily spotlight exercise

    [00:13:02] The reframe challenge technique


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    Supporting Resources:

    If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center

    NovusMindfulLife.com

    We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind

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    The Addicted Mind PodcastBy Duane Osterlind, LMFT

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