Hard Optimism: Developing Deep Strengths for Managing Uncertainty, Opportunity, Adversity, and Change

The 12 practices of  Hard Optimism  coach you toward high performance. Based on disciplined research from the field of positive psychology, The scientific evidence is solid: Optimism is a broad-spectrum force of tremendous value to individuals and organizations.

 Hard Optimism  helps develop the thought patterns that build resilience . . . that serve as a buffer against stress . . . that energize, empower, and enhance performance in virtually all circumstances.

The mental practices described here can make you far more effective. You'll build confidence and creativity to help you take advantage of opportunity or overcome adversity. You'll develop a buffer zone against stress, setbacks, and disappointments. These powerful thought patterns give you staying power and resilience when your future is fogged with uncertainty. Finally, they'll protect your health and overall quality of life.

Regardless of what life leaves on your doorstep today,  Hard Optimism  positions you to handle it better. Practices include:

• Control the life-shaping power of your thoughts and attitudes
• Assess your current level of optimism
• Develop the explanatory style of an optimist
• Eliminate the explanatory style that pessimists use
• Recognize and dispute pessimistic thoughts
• Use positive reappraisal to handle problems and disappointments
• Make hope a habit
• Know how and when to use negative thinking
• Practice gratitude and forgiveness
• Play to your signature strengths
• Go for flow
• Act the way you want to feel

Price Pritchett is Chairman and CEO of PRITCHETT, LP, a Dallas-based consulting and training firm with offices in eight other countries. He holds a Ph.D. in psychology, and has spent 30 years as an adviser to top management in Fortune 500 companies, governmental organizations, and not-for-profits. His assignments have taken him to Europe, Asia, and throughout the Americas.

Since writing his doctoral dissertation on personal motivation and self-directed change, he has authored two hardbacks and over 30 handbooks, with over 20 million copies in print worldwide. Pritchett s specialized work in merger integration, corporate culture, process improvement, and change management has been referenced in most major business journals and newspapers. A compelling keynote speaker, he s also been interviewed on CNN, CNBC, and other major television networks.

Dr. Pritchett is regarded as one of the foremost experts on how to maximize performance during uncertainty and change. In Hard Optimism he combines his deep background of experience with discoveries from the new field of positive psychology, offering research-proven techniques for lifting the effectiveness of individuals and organizations.