Emotion: Optimism

When you want to write the emotion optimism, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid showing not telling and immerse your readers in your story.

Optimism is a mental attitude characterized by hopefulness and confidence about the future or the success of something. It is the belief that things will turn out well, despite any difficulties or setbacks that may occur. Optimistic individuals tend to focus on the positive aspects of a situation, and are more likely to see opportunities where others see obstacles. They also tend to have a greater sense of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Different Types of Optimism

Here are some different types of optimism:

• Blind optimism: ignoring potential problems and only focusing on positive outcomes.
• Realistic optimism: acknowledging potential obstacles but maintaining a positive attitude and belief in the possibility of success.
• Learned optimism: intentionally cultivating an optimistic mindset through practice and habit.
• Defensive optimism: using optimism as a shield to protect oneself from negative emotions or outcomes.

Situations Associated with Optimism

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of optimism:

• Achieving a long-standing goal or dream
• Receiving praise or recognition from others
• Having a positive outlook on life
• Believing that things will work out for the best
• Surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people
• Overcoming a significant obstacle or challenge
• Seeing progress towards a desired outcome
• Feeling in control of one's life and circumstances
• Finding inspiration in others or in nature

Physical Reactions to Optimism

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing optimism might have:

• Smiling and laughing frequently
• Maintaining good posture and open body language
• Speaking in an upbeat and positive tone
• Expressing hope and confidence in the future
• Showing enthusiasm and eagerness for new experiences
• Being resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges
• Focusing on opportunities rather than obstacles
• Displaying a can-do attitude and a willingness to take risks
• Believing in oneself and one's abilities

Thoughts Associated with Optimism

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing optimism might have:

• I can handle this challenge, I have a plan.
• Things will work out in the end.
• I'm excited to see what the future holds.
• I believe in my abilities to succeed.
• There's always a silver lining.
• I choose to focus on the good rather than the bad.
• I feel energized and motivated to take action.
• I trust that everything happens for a reason.
• I am grateful for the opportunities that come my way.

Atmosphere of Optimism

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of optimism in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Use bright and warm colors in the description of the setting.
• Incorporate natural elements such as sunshine, rainbows, and blooming flowers.
• Depict a bustling and lively environment with cheerful people.
• Highlight positive events or experiences happening in the surroundings.
• Include upbeat music or sounds in the scene.
• Use language that conveys hope, positivity, and excitement.
• Avoid negative or pessimistic words and phrases.

Verbs Associated with Optimism

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of optimism:

• Believe
• Envision
• Inspire
• Encourage
• Empower
• Hope
• Dream
• Persist
• Anticipate
• Radiate
• Visualize
• Thrive
• Flourish
• Succeed

Emotions Before Optimism

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences optimism:

• Fear
• Doubt
• Uncertainty
• Pessimism
• Disappointment
• Despair
• Hopelessness
• Despondency
• Resignation
• Frustration
• Anger
• Bitterness
• Envy
• Jealousy

Remember, a character's emotional journey can be complex and nonlinear, so it's not necessary for them to experience all of these emotions before reaching optimism. It all depends on the specific circumstances and plot of your story.

Emotions After Optimism

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences optimism:

• Disappointment
• Frustration
• Despair
• Anger
• Bitterness
• Resignation
• Hopelessness
• Defeatism
• Cynicism

Telling Optimism Examples to Avoid

Here are some examples of telling the emotion optimism in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• She felt optimistic about the future.
• He had an optimistic outlook on life.
• They were filled with optimism for their upcoming project.
• She had an optimistic view of the situation.
• He tried to remain optimistic despite the setbacks.
• Their optimism never wavered even in the face of adversity.
• She was optimistic that everything would work out in the end.
• He had an optimistic attitude towards the challenge ahead.
• They approached the situation with optimism and enthusiasm.

Practical Examples of Showing Optimism

Here are some examples of showing optimism in a sentence:

• With each step she took, she felt the weight of her worries lift, replaced by a sense of hope and possibility.
• The sun shone bright and warm, casting a golden glow over the city below, and she couldn't help but smile at the promise of a new day.
• He looked out at the horizon, taking in the vast expanse of the ocean before him, and felt a sense of excitement building within him for the adventures that lay ahead.
• As she watched the leaves dance in the breeze, she felt a sense of gratitude for the beauty of the world around her and the endless opportunities it held.

Exercises for Showing Optimism

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing optimism:

• Begin by creating a character who has a positive outlook on life. Think about their backstory and what events may have shaped their optimistic perspective.
• Write a scene where the character faces a difficult situation, but chooses to approach it with hope and positivity. How do they react to setbacks and challenges?
• Practice writing dialogue that reflects the character's optimistic attitude. What types of phrases or words do they use? How do they convey their positivity to others?
• Explore the character's motivations and desires. What goals do they have that fuel their optimistic outlook? How do they stay focused on achieving those goals?
• Write a scene where the character's optimism is tested. How do they respond to negative news or setbacks? Do they maintain their positivity or do they struggle to keep it up?
• Consider the character's relationships with others. How does their optimism impact their interactions with friends, family, and acquaintances?
• Write a scene where the character shares their optimistic perspective with someone who is struggling. How do they offer encouragement and support?

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full emotions list.