Learned Optimism
Martin Seligman · Techniques for changing negative thinking habits to become more optimistic, resilient, and happier.
5 people say it helped them, in their own words on Hacker News.
What people said
I read the book and did the work (similar to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and can honestly say it changed my life. I went from catastrophizing just about everything to not worrying pretty much at all.
My father introduced me to this book at point in my life where I was questioning my own abilities and my own future. It helped me breakdown negative thought patterns.
2 things helped me a lot: mindfulness (I read "A New Earth", YMMV) and the book "Learned Optimism". I can't recommend that book enough.
It reframed pessimism for me in a way that was very important, and helped me see that my pragmatic use of pessimism - while useful - did not require me to maintain a pessimistic outlook.
It helped me a lot, and still does, when I find myself spiraling down.
I started actively reframing worries using some of the exercises in the book “Learned Optimism” (Martin Seligman, 2006). This book also made me realize how deeply hardwired my pessimistic defaults were
Description from Open Library
Known as the father of the new science of positive psychology, Martin E.P. Seligman draws on more than twenty years of clinical research to demonstrate how optimism enhances the quality of life, and how anyone can learn to practice it. Offering many simple techniques, Dr. Seligman explains how to break an I-give-up habit, develop a more constructive explanatory style for interpreting your behavior, and experience the benefits of a more positive interior dialogue.
Read the full description
These skills can help break up depression, boost your immune system, better develop your potential, and make you happier. With generous additional advice on how to encourage optimistic behavior at school, at work and in children, Learned Optimism is both profound and practical--and valuable for every phase of life. --Publisher.
What people got from it AI summary
Best if you catch yourself catastrophizing, doubting yourself, or stuck in anxious, negative thinking.
- Broke negative thought patterns
- Calmed constant worrying
- Eased anxiety and self-doubt
Style
Practical tools · 336 pages
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