“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

Franklin D. Roosevelt became president in 1933 during the height of the Great Depression. He led the United States through the early years of World War II while dealing with serious health concerns related to the effects of polio. Yet, despite these substantial challenges, he maintained an optimistic attitude toward both his personal and professional future. 

You may not be leading our country, but there’s a lesson to be learned from FDR’s perspective on life. When you’re struggling—whether you’re in recovery from a substance use disorder or dealing with a nation in crisis—a positive attitude sets the stage for success. 

Attitude Is Everything

Optimism is a psychological attitude characterized by a positive outlook on life and a hopeful expectation that favorable outcomes will occur. It is the opposite of pessimism, which is characterized by a more negative and skeptical view of the future.

This difference in perspective can be seen in many different areas. For example, a person with a pessimistic outlook might go on a job interview and say, “I’m not going to get the job. The competition is too tough, and I never do well in interviews.” Their optimistic counterpart might approach the situation by saying, “I’ve prepared thoroughly for the interview, and I have valuable skills to offer. I may face challenges, but I believe in my abilities and my potential for success.”

The Benefits of Optimism for People in Recovery

When you’re living with a substance use disorder, having an optimistic outlook makes it easier to deal with the chronic nature of your illness. A pessimistic person might say, “Receiving this diagnosis is the end. My life is over, and there’s no hope for improvement.” Their optimistic counterpart acknowledges the struggle but resolves to keep fighting by saying, “My substance use disorder is difficult to handle, but I can explore treatment options, make positive lifestyle changes, and work with my health care team to build the foundation for a lasting recovery.”

Here are some additional reasons why maintaining a positive outlook is important in the context of substance use recovery:

• Promotes mental and emotional well-being. A hopeful mindset can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression—creating a more supportive environment for rehabilitation.
• Increases resilience. Optimism enhances resilience, enabling you to bounce back from challenges with a determination to continue your journey toward sobriety.
• Benefits overall physical health. In the context of substance use recovery, maintaining a positive outlook may contribute to a stronger immune system and overall better health to support the body’s healing process.
• Promotes positive change. Believing in the possibility of positive outcomes encourages you to adopt behaviors and habits that support your well-being and the overall recovery process.
• Increases engagement in treatment. People who have an optimistic attitude are more likely to actively participate in therapy, support groups, and other interventions essential for their rehabilitation.
• Provides hope for the future. Optimism provides a sense of hope for the future, a vital aspect of recovery. Believing in the possibility of a brighter future motivates you to stay committed to your journey toward lasting sobriety.

While optimism doesn’t entail ignoring the difficulties or minimizing the challenges that come with getting sober, it helps you face these obstacles by seeking solutions and maintaining confidence in your ability to overcome adversity—a crucial component of any long-term recovery. 

How to Be More Optimistic

Even though it may seem like some people are born with a perpetually sunny disposition, anyone can learn to become more optimistic by gradually changing their thought patterns and developing positive habits. Here are some practical steps you can take to cultivate a more optimistic attitude:

• Challenge negative thoughts. Pay attention to negative thoughts as they pop up throughout the day. Ask yourself if there’s evidence supporting these thoughts or if they might be distorted. 
• Start your day with positive affirmations. Use positive affirmations to counteract negative self-talk. For example, “I am capable of overcoming challenges,” or “I believe in my ability to succeed.”
• Incorporate gratitude into your daily routine. Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving. Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down things you’re thankful for can shift your focus toward the positive.
• Surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with supportive people who believe in your recovery and want to see you become the best possible version of yourself.  
• Limit negative influences. Strive to limit your exposure to negative influences, whether they are people, media, or specific types of environments. 
• Develop a growth mindset. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, consider them learning experiences that contribute to your ongoing personal development. With a growth mindset, the only way to fail is to stop trying altogether. 
• Keep worries at bay with mindfulness and meditation. Mindfulness helps you become more aware of your thoughts without being overly reactive to them. 
• Visualize success. Imagine yourself achieving your goals and visualize a positive future. This mental imagery can reinforce a sense of optimism and make your goals feel more attainable.

Of course, the team at St. Joseph Institute’s Pennsylvania substance abuse treatment center is always available to provide the support you need to navigate the challenges of life in recovery. From dealing with initial withdrawal symptoms during detox and developing a treatment plan for co-occurring mental health conditions to repairing relationships with loved ones and learning how to cope with stress without turning to drugs or alcohol, we’re committed to your success. Contact us today to learn more.