Optimistic Thinking

Standard 3

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Let’s Review

Before we begin
today’s topic can
some volunteers share
some strategies they
have been using from
their toolbox
collection.

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What do you think it means to be
hopeful?

Hopeful comes from the word hope.

You think something will happen the
way you want it to.
It means you are optimistic about a
future event.
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Can you think of some synonyms/phrases
of the word hopeful?

Optimistic Sanguine
Positive Cheerful
Buoyant Propitious
Upbeat Heartening
Encouraging Forward looking
Promising Keeping the faith
Enthusiastic Looking on the brightside
Eager The glass is half full
Auspicious
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Let’s listen to the following video to get a better
understanding of the power of being optimistic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DlZbStsvDc
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 BE OPTIMISTIC – Short Story
Shiva and Nicholas both try out for the football team at the beginning of the
third term of the school year. Neither makes the final cut. Both feel
disappointed, but they handle it differently.

Shiva is optimistic. He thinks: “All 20 boys who tried out are talented and
there were only 3 spots to fill on the team . That pushed me to practice hard
and I played my best — it felt good! The coach gave me great feedback. I'm
going to work on the things he suggested and watch all the games this
season. That way, I'll have a better chance next year."

Shiva is focused on the specific situation, not on personal shortcomings. He

doesn't see the situation as permanent. He fully expects to get on the team
next year and is already thinking of how to make that happen.
 BE OPTIMISTIC – Short Story

Nicholas is the opposite. He thinks: "No wonder I didn't make it

— I was the worst one at tryouts and the coach doesn't really
like me. I never get a break. I might as well face it, I'm just not a
great athlete." Unlike Shiva, Nicholas takes the setback
personally. He blames himself, but he also sees outside factors
(the coach, life) as working against him. Even worse, he lets this
one event make him doubt his athletic abilities altogether.

Which guy is more likely to feel discouraged longer? Who is

more likely to practice more and try again? Who is more likely
to give up?
 “
Can you think of some
things/strategies we can practice
that will help us develop a more
positive outlook?

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Strategies to Develop a Positive Outlook!

1. Rephrasing Negative Thoughts with Positive Thoughts

2. Performing Random Acts of Kindness

3. Showing a Sense of Gratitude

4. Use Positive Affirmations

5. Journal Awe Moments

6. Focus on the Future/

Learn a New Skill
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Strategies for a developing a positive outlook
Rephrasing Negative Thoughts with
Positive Thoughts
Performing Random Acts of
Kindness
Showing a Sense of Gratitude
Use Positive Affirmations
Journal Awe Moments
Focus on the Future/
Learn a New Skill
Replace “I can’t do it” with “I will try
harder”
Doing good deeds e.g. Helping
others, saying a kind word. Be a
secret angel
Being thankful and appreciating all
the things that you have in your life.
I am kind, I am unique, I am a good
friend. I am loving.
Record sights or moments you find
beautiful e.g. a rainbow, kind acts,
a sunset, family moments
Write down goals you want to
achieve. Learn a new sport or
musical instrument Learn to bake or
ride a bike.
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 Future Career Goals!

Another area we can focus our optimism on is our future

career goals.

Let us explore a few of the existing and new careers that

were brought to the forefront in this pandemic.
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 Careers

Nurses Doctors Mental Health

Workers

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 Careers

Epidemiologist
Lab Technician Virologist

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 Careers

Contact Tracer Sanitation Worker Health Inspector

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 Careers

Youtube Content Technical Support Plexiglass Installers

Creators Specialist

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 Careers

Delivery Worker Interior Buildlng/ Non Surgical Mask

Office Modifers Creators/manufacturers

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 Activity

1. Write down two strategies you

will practice to help develop a
positive outlook.

2. Lets visualise our future! Write

down two career goals you hope to
achieve.

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 “
Conclusion
Being optimistic doesn’t mean
you’re free from worries. Optimism
teaches us to be hopeful that
things will work out in times of
difficulties.