3 science-backed ways to practice optimism at work (that aren’t phony or forced)

Optimism has a branding problem at work. It often shows up as pressure to stay upbeat in meetings, reassurance that everything will work out, or encouragement to find the silver lining when pressure mounts. When things feel uncertain, that approach tends to backfire.

As a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen how well-intentioned positivity can actually make work more strenuous. When you’re already stretched thin, being told  to “stay positive” doesn’t help you reset. Research shows that...