INTERNAL CAPABILITY 8: POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS
Having positive expectations about one’s health and flourishing
Overview
Agency 1: Having positive expectations about achieving health outcomes
What is it?
Positive expectations is the internal capability that refers to one's optimism about achieving health outcomes, and can include optimism about personal life prospects.
Why is it important?
Positive expectations help us cope with challenges and maintain a forward orientation to improve our health and health capabilities. It allows us to be more imaginative, motivated, creative, and open-minded.
What does it look like?
Examples of a strong internal capability of positive expectations include: feelings of hope, having faith that one's situation will improve, taking a big-picture perspective, believing your hard work will pay off, and expecting a positive future trajectory.
How do I do it?
Some strategies for improving your positive expectations include writing, affirmations, play, meditation, surrounding oneself with positive health role models, and social connection. It is also important to maintain healthy daily eating, sleeping, and exercising habits.
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