3 Daily Habits to Maintain Hope in the Face of Adversity
An optimistic mindset is essential right now, and these 3 phrases help provide the proper lens of learned optimism
By Michael Miller – April 6th, 2020
![](https://www.6seconds.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OptimismII.png)
This will not last forever.
This is not changing everything.
Your effort will make a difference.
These three phrases form the basis of Martin Seligman’s theory of learned optimism, a guide for how to frame adversity that has been found to effectively reduce anxiety. Personally, I’ve found it to be very helpful in the current crisis. Before we explore each of these phrases a little more, let’s clarify a common misconception what optimism is – and what it isn’t.
Learned optimism isn’t passively ‘hoping for the best’
Optimism isn’t blindly hoping for the best. In fact, being “optimistic” in a passive, naïve sense – without real effort – would only get us deeper into trouble. The type of optimism that will help us is this skill of optimism: intentionally practicing an optimistic mindset. This effortful optimism is about framing adversity in a healthy, realistic way and taking ownership of finding solutions – exactly what we need right now.
This “frame,” Seligman argued, is formed by a person’s explanatory style, which he abbreviated as the 3 Ps.
Seligman’s 3 Ps of optimism during adversity
The first one is permanence. Repeat after me: This will not last forever. In times of high stress and uncertainty, it can be easy to forget this. Remind yourself every day: This will not last forever.
The second one is pervasiveness: This is not changing everything. This is probably the most difficult in this current crisis, because it is certainly impacting many, many areas of everyone’s life. Still, it’s not ruining everything. Remember to express gratitude for what you do have, even in these difficult times, and for the choices you CAN make to focus on yours and others’ wellbeing.
The last one, and quite possibly the most important, is personalization. Your effort will make a difference. You are still in the driver’s seat of your thoughts, feelings and actions, and what you do will make a difference. We know what we need to do to slow the spread of the virus. It isn’t ideal for anyone, but at least we know what we have to do, and that our individual and collective effort will make a difference.
Thinking about adversity from this lens will give us the fuel we need to keep going. Share the message with as many people as you can.
This will not last forever.
This is not changing everything.
Your effort will make a difference.
Want more emotional intelligence tips and strategies? Join one of our free or low-cost Growing U sessions: 6seconds.org/grow.
What’s new in emotional intelligence?
Emotion Science from Inside Out 2 – EQ Education News
What do you think and feel about the emotions in Inside Out 2? Let’s unpack the science and how you can use the film to keep developing emotional intelligence skills for you, your faculty and students.
Emotional Intelligence + Coaching = ? How EQ makes coaching work better
How do emotional intelligence and coaching go together to create a framework for transformation? Examining ‘what is coaching,’ why clients seek coaching, and ‘what is emotional intelligence,’ a story emerges about how we meet the moment more effectively.
Trust, Diversity & Emotions: Key Strategies from EQ Diversity Practitioner Michael Eatman – Voices from the Network
Imagine a coaching client struggling with identity, belonging and diversity. How can you use emotional intelligence to help them build trust and overcome self-limiting beliefs to thrive?
Building Burnout Resilience at NHS through EQ Coaching Program
Exhausted healthcare professional says: ‘Genuinely, the best development course I have had the privilege to be part of.’
Emotional Intelligence at Work: The Free, Easy Win Most Managers Are Missing
Gallup study compares the biggest gaps in employee vs. manager perceptions. What are managers’ worst blind spots? What are easy wins they could do better to improve team performance?
Is Boredom Bad for Kids? Emotional Intelligence Education News
Let’s unpack boredom and how emotional intelligence can help you with tips to support bored children (and keep your cool!). Keep reading for EQ research and resources you can use for you, your faculty and students.
- Pursue Noble Goals in the Six Seconds Model of EQ - July 29, 2023
- Increase Empathy in the Six Seconds Model of EQ - July 26, 2023
- Exercise Optimism - July 24, 2023