Nader Dabit Chats With Kent About Keeping An Optimistic Mindset

Chats with Kent C. Dodds

How do you stay optimistic when being bombarded with negativity every day? Nader reminds us that, statistically, we are living in the safest and most prosperous period in human history. Nader went through a lot of hardship growing up, and it caused him to assume the entire world was that way, but in reality, it wasn't. Try to maintain perspective, and remember that your experiences aren't reflective of the world as a whole.

The voice in your head talks about yourself in a way that you'd never treat another person. Be mindful of yourself and treat yourself with kindness; the way you talk about yourself can make a significant impact on your happiness.

Kent shares his experience with seeing a therapist for the last year and explains how therapy isn't something not just for people who are experiencing trauma or mental illness. Everyone can benefit from having a neutral third party that helps you talk through the problems you are experiencing in life, no matter how big or small.

Reducing the amount of media you consume can improve your headspace as well. That doesn't mean to turn a blind eye to any negativity. Instead, you should learn about the bad things that are happening within your sphere of influence. It doesn't do the world any good to take on pain from something that you have no control over. Your energy is better spent taking an active part in improving the parts of the world that you can influence.

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Homework

• For a week, take at least a minute or so daily and write one thing that you're optimistic about.

Resources

• Tools of Titans
• Factfulness
• The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined
• Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
• A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
• The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

Guest: Nader Dabit

• Twitter: @dabit3
• GitHub: @dabit3
• Website: naderdabit.me

Host: Kent C. Dodds

• Website: kentcdodds.com
• Twitter: @kentcdodds
• GitHub: @kentcdodds
• YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
• Epic React: epicreact.dev