Albert Ellis’ ABC technique refers to: Adversity, Beliefs and Consequences.

We all have either an internal or an external locus of control. This cognitive mechanism provides us with confidence that we can change the elements of our lives.

Interestingly, life provides the same problems, tragedies and setbacks on both an optimist and a pessimist, but the optimist is able to weather them better and live a happy, successful life. It is possible to learn and teach optimism and change one’s perception of life.

The three cognitive distortions (3P’s) that need to be changed:

This is a concept that suggests that we can always change our attitude and behaviour, be aware of our thoughts and stop our negative self-talk.

People tend to see things differently, and this affects their perception. Our selective attention can see things in contrasting ways and also form different opinions based on what information is processed.

• A positive impact on many aspects of physical and mental health.
• Provides motivation to work harder.
• Greater career success in life.

• Pessimists take everything personally, leading to any kind of failure hurting their self-esteem.
• Optimists attribute failure to external, localized circumstances and keep their self-esteem and positivity intact.