What if I told you optimism isn’t just something you’re born with? That you don’t need to be the relentlessly cheerful type to see brighter horizons, even during life’s trickier moments? Practical optimism is less about blind positivity and more about turning hope into helpful action through a positive mindset. And, according to psychiatrist Dr Sue Varma, it’s a skill set we can all develop, even the natural cynics among us. 

I recently came across Dr Varma’s work through her appearance on The Happiness Lab podcast and her book Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being. What struck me most was her experience leading the mental health response for 9/11 first responders. While some survivors understandably struggled with PTSD and depression, others showed surprising resilience. Why? It wasn’t just down to personality or luck, it came down to certain habits of thinking and emotional skills. In other words, practical optimism. 

So, what does this mean in real life and how can we apply it? 

Name It, Claim It, Tame It, Reframe It 

One of the most helpful tools Dr Varma shares is her four-part approach to managing tough emotions: Name it, Claim it, Tame it, Reframe it. It’s simple but powerful. 

1. First, name it: what exactly are you feeling? Anxiety, anger, guilt? Putting a label on your emotion is the first step in taking charge of it. 
2. Then, claim it: tune into your body. Where does this emotion sit? Tight chest, clenched jaw, churning stomach? Emotions show up physically before we even recognise them. 
3. Next, tame it: this is where action comes in. Go for a short walk, do a breathing exercise, or call a friend. Anything that helps regulate the intensity of your emotion. 
4. Finally, reframe it: challenge the story you’re telling yourself. Maybe that rejection you’re dwelling on isn’t a failure, it’s a redirection. This doesn’t mean ignoring the negative but choosing to interpret it in a way that moves you forward. 

This framework ties directly into emotional intelligence training and resilience and change management training, helping us better understand ourselves and improve how we respond under pressure. 

Optimism Through Action 

The key takeaway? Optimism isn’t passive. It’s not about sitting around hoping for the best. Practical optimism means pairing a positive mindset with purposeful steps. That’s where another concept comes in: self-efficacy, our belief in our own ability to get through challenges. 

This can be as simple as recognising when you need rest, or as structured as setting a small, achievable goal when life feels overwhelming. As Dr Varma says, “Write your purpose in pen, but your path in pencil.” Flexibility is part of the process. 

We can’t control everything, but we can control how we respond. That’s where optimism becomes truly practical and powerful. 

In the context of leadership development programmes, personality development in the workplace, and communication skills development, practical optimism supports not just individual wellbeing but also the employee experience. It underpins everything from workplace wellbeing programmes to organisational engagement and wellbeing solutions, encouraging a culture of self-awareness and psychological safety. 

Practical optimism won’t solve every problem overnight, but it gives us a roadmap to face life’s uncertainties with a bit more courage, clarity and compassion. 

Talk to us, explore our website, read our blog, and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more and discover ways to grow a more successful business.