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Contagious Optimism: Uplifting Stories and Motivational Advice for Positive Forward Thinking
Contagious Optimism is an uplifting book of stories and parables about amazing life turnarounds. A compendium of encouragement, it includes advice and guidance from business leaders, visionaries, and ordinary folk. Nowadays, many people have lost confidence in themselves and the world around them due to personal hardship as well as economic and political uncertainty worldwide. Contagious Optimism shows readers that it's possible to look for and find silver linings. This is pure inspiration that will lift hearts, open minds, and create a movement of pass-it-on hope and happiness.
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First published January 1, 2013
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April 3, 2020
Summary: This is like a chicken soup for the soup, but this one person's personal network of stories. It's great. I love the idea of building a team of such positive people around you.
Notes will be in Kindle. This was a part of my 100 books in 100 days challenge. Please considering viewing my vlog: Youtube: Diary of a Speed Reader IG: WhereIsMayLing
Forward - The optimist creed is so wonderful. I think everyone needs to look at this creed.
Promise yourself: To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and to make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and to press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and to ...more
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Lacking talent only means you have the ability to recognize what needs practice. My parents always reminded me that practice is the only way to excel at something such as sports, hobbies, music, school, etc. They also reminded me that shortcuts are just a means of cheating yourself, only further delaying the attainment of your goal. The true leaders in any field have exhausted what is necessary to understand the subject and then have developed the necessary skills that led them to their pinnacle point. We all have that capability and simply need to apply ourselves.
May Ling
In this world of only positive comments being honest about your areas of weakness is almost not something you can do. This is a real opportunity for anyone who understands this sage quote.Like
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A number of people were divided into three groups, then were tested on shooting basketball foul shots. The groups were given the following instructions: Group 1—Do not practice foul shots for 30 days. Group 2—Practice foul shots every day for 30 days. Group 3—Practice foul shots only in their mind (imagined experience) for 30 days. After the thirty-day period the three groups were tested again and their results, compared to their initial performance, were as follows: Group 1—Showed no improvement at all. Group 2—Showed 24 percent improvement. Group 3—Showed 23 percent improvement. It’s ...more
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If you want to expand and grow, the first thing you must do is eliminate false beliefs about who you are and expand the empowering beliefs as to what you think you are capable of. And then you must take ACTION.
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One thing is for sure, if you are unhappy, it is time for a change. It doesn’t matter whose “fault” it is. You deserve to be appreciated and treated with respect assuming, of course, that you appreciate and treat others that way.
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There have been several times where I was disrespected and treated badly by bosses, relatives, or significant others. I kept thinking it was something about me that needed fixing, and did much soul-searching each time to correct the problem. While the work I did on myself paid off in numerous ways, it never changed the other people. Emotional and mental abuse made it harder to realize that it wasn’t about me. We
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In every relationship, ask yourself three questions: 1. Do I make this person feel loved? 2. Do I make this person feel valued? 3. Do I make this person feel special? If you want to meet “the one,” become “the one.” We have all heard the expression: “You have to love yourself before anyone else will.” How you feel about yourself and how you allow others to treat you is the basis of all your relationships in life. CONTAGIOUS INSIGHT
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What is interesting is that if someone gives you a sour first impression, it is you who controls how that relationship progresses, according to a study on first impressions. If you are on the wrong side of a bad first impression, you have your work cut out for you. The study concludes that within just ten minutes of meeting, people decide what kind of relationship they want with a new acquaintance.
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Rather, it’s a reminder that it’s important to be proactive in managing your assets. Diversification has never been more important. It’s also easier than ever before, even if you aren’t wealthy and can’t afford to pay a professional advisor to manage your money. For example, there are mutual funds that invest in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets all at once. Thus, by owning the shares of one fund, you can spread your risk around widely and reduce the chances of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
May Ling
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The first two elements of my success have been attitude and desire. Starting at an entry-level position with only a high school education, I climbed the corporate ladder in banking to middle management. With a positive attitude and desire I have achieved both financial and career growth in spite of a litany of changes encompassing our company’s mergers and acquisitions, operational and political re-organizations, company layoffs, and process and system changes. Maintaining a positive attitude and a desire to accept changes in our lives provides the avenue for evolving in an ever-demanding ...more
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The art of listening can lead to achieving the milestones of success. If you listen attentively and then restate the high points of an important dialogue, it will validate the effectiveness of those communications. CONTAGIOUS PRACTICE
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giving ourselves downside protection. After many years of trial and error, and living through numerous crises, I have come to the conclusion that one must set attainable goals and have a process in place to achieve them. There is nothing unique about this thought, but the main thing to keep in focus is where you want to get to, constantly review the goals and the process being used, and most importantly, stay within your comfort zone.
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I encourage you to find the emotional support you need to keep you from spiraling downward. These are trying times, but remember, this is not all about you; it’s about the economy, the global economy. Take charge of yourself! You can’t change the economy, but you can change your attitude. You can work on bending, swaying, and learning to be flexible—and adaptable.
May Ling
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The Grateful Dead has taught me to stretch myself beyond my limits and to do so without fear of failure.
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They challenged themselves and the audience to think and listen beyond what had come before. Sometimes this resulted in awe-inspiring concerts, and other days this resulted in performances that were less than memorable. No matter how the concert turned out, I appreciated the fact that each day they performed, they were challenging themselves to improve, try something new, and do so without fear.
May Ling
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Through my education, I came to a better understanding of how the body and mind work in a deep and profound way. And from my postgraduate work studying conscious language, body dynamics, and addiction, I learned how words, feelings, body movements, and mind chemistry affect our emotions and health.
May Ling
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Set aside five to fifteen minutes each day just for you. Use your special time for meditating, reflecting, or simply sitting quietly. Write a list of the goals you’d like to achieve. This list of goals helps keep you on track for creating the change you desire. Celebrate at least one thing every day. A celebration is anything you want it to be. You can celebrate getting up in the morning, a smile from a loved one, or watching the sun rise or set. Celebrate the simplicity of life. Love unconditionally. Give and receive love NOW. Loving unconditionally is not based on “you do this and ...more
May Ling
Notes will be in Kindle. This was a part of my 100 books in 100 days challenge. Please considering viewing my vlog: Youtube: Diary of a Speed Reader IG: WhereIsMayLing
Forward - The optimist creed is so wonderful. I think everyone needs to look at this creed.
Promise yourself: To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and to make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and to press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and to ...more
May Ling
Love thisLike
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Lacking talent only means you have the ability to recognize what needs practice. My parents always reminded me that practice is the only way to excel at something such as sports, hobbies, music, school, etc. They also reminded me that shortcuts are just a means of cheating yourself, only further delaying the attainment of your goal. The true leaders in any field have exhausted what is necessary to understand the subject and then have developed the necessary skills that led them to their pinnacle point. We all have that capability and simply need to apply ourselves.
May Ling
In this world of only positive comments being honest about your areas of weakness is almost not something you can do. This is a real opportunity for anyone who understands this sage quote.Like
May Ling
Write a comment…
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A number of people were divided into three groups, then were tested on shooting basketball foul shots. The groups were given the following instructions: Group 1—Do not practice foul shots for 30 days. Group 2—Practice foul shots every day for 30 days. Group 3—Practice foul shots only in their mind (imagined experience) for 30 days. After the thirty-day period the three groups were tested again and their results, compared to their initial performance, were as follows: Group 1—Showed no improvement at all. Group 2—Showed 24 percent improvement. Group 3—Showed 23 percent improvement. It’s ...more
May Ling
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If you want to expand and grow, the first thing you must do is eliminate false beliefs about who you are and expand the empowering beliefs as to what you think you are capable of. And then you must take ACTION.
May Ling
Like
May Ling
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One thing is for sure, if you are unhappy, it is time for a change. It doesn’t matter whose “fault” it is. You deserve to be appreciated and treated with respect assuming, of course, that you appreciate and treat others that way.
May Ling
Like
May Ling
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There have been several times where I was disrespected and treated badly by bosses, relatives, or significant others. I kept thinking it was something about me that needed fixing, and did much soul-searching each time to correct the problem. While the work I did on myself paid off in numerous ways, it never changed the other people. Emotional and mental abuse made it harder to realize that it wasn’t about me. We
May Ling
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In every relationship, ask yourself three questions: 1. Do I make this person feel loved? 2. Do I make this person feel valued? 3. Do I make this person feel special? If you want to meet “the one,” become “the one.” We have all heard the expression: “You have to love yourself before anyone else will.” How you feel about yourself and how you allow others to treat you is the basis of all your relationships in life. CONTAGIOUS INSIGHT
May Ling
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What is interesting is that if someone gives you a sour first impression, it is you who controls how that relationship progresses, according to a study on first impressions. If you are on the wrong side of a bad first impression, you have your work cut out for you. The study concludes that within just ten minutes of meeting, people decide what kind of relationship they want with a new acquaintance.
May Ling
Like
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Rather, it’s a reminder that it’s important to be proactive in managing your assets. Diversification has never been more important. It’s also easier than ever before, even if you aren’t wealthy and can’t afford to pay a professional advisor to manage your money. For example, there are mutual funds that invest in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets all at once. Thus, by owning the shares of one fund, you can spread your risk around widely and reduce the chances of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
May Ling
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The first two elements of my success have been attitude and desire. Starting at an entry-level position with only a high school education, I climbed the corporate ladder in banking to middle management. With a positive attitude and desire I have achieved both financial and career growth in spite of a litany of changes encompassing our company’s mergers and acquisitions, operational and political re-organizations, company layoffs, and process and system changes. Maintaining a positive attitude and a desire to accept changes in our lives provides the avenue for evolving in an ever-demanding ...more
May Ling
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The art of listening can lead to achieving the milestones of success. If you listen attentively and then restate the high points of an important dialogue, it will validate the effectiveness of those communications. CONTAGIOUS PRACTICE
May Ling
Like
May Ling
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giving ourselves downside protection. After many years of trial and error, and living through numerous crises, I have come to the conclusion that one must set attainable goals and have a process in place to achieve them. There is nothing unique about this thought, but the main thing to keep in focus is where you want to get to, constantly review the goals and the process being used, and most importantly, stay within your comfort zone.
May Ling
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I encourage you to find the emotional support you need to keep you from spiraling downward. These are trying times, but remember, this is not all about you; it’s about the economy, the global economy. Take charge of yourself! You can’t change the economy, but you can change your attitude. You can work on bending, swaying, and learning to be flexible—and adaptable.
May Ling
Like
May Ling
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The Grateful Dead has taught me to stretch myself beyond my limits and to do so without fear of failure.
May Ling
Like
May Ling
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Visible:
Delete
Mark as Spoiler
63%
They challenged themselves and the audience to think and listen beyond what had come before. Sometimes this resulted in awe-inspiring concerts, and other days this resulted in performances that were less than memorable. No matter how the concert turned out, I appreciated the fact that each day they performed, they were challenging themselves to improve, try something new, and do so without fear.
May Ling
Like
May Ling
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Through my education, I came to a better understanding of how the body and mind work in a deep and profound way. And from my postgraduate work studying conscious language, body dynamics, and addiction, I learned how words, feelings, body movements, and mind chemistry affect our emotions and health.
May Ling
Like
May Ling
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Set aside five to fifteen minutes each day just for you. Use your special time for meditating, reflecting, or simply sitting quietly. Write a list of the goals you’d like to achieve. This list of goals helps keep you on track for creating the change you desire. Celebrate at least one thing every day. A celebration is anything you want it to be. You can celebrate getting up in the morning, a smile from a loved one, or watching the sun rise or set. Celebrate the simplicity of life. Love unconditionally. Give and receive love NOW. Loving unconditionally is not based on “you do this and ...more
May Ling
November 3, 2018
I wish there was a rating between "did not like it" and "it was ok." This book is pretty standard fare in terms of the genre. A lot of, often unverified anecdotes that are meant to inspire as well as a lot of "always be happy and never feel sad" type sentiments. One person is quoted as saying that he "never fails" because he doesn't believe in failure. This reframing seems really unhealthy to me as it represses anything you might feel if you have a set back which is a great way to make tumors. This book is fine if you're angst is a basic level but if you're staring into the void of UN climate change reports and terrifying geopolitics you're going to need something stiffer.
October 18, 2018
This book was confusing for me. I'm not sure how it was about creating contagious optimism or even how to be optimistic at all, to be honest. It was a series of "uplifting stories" and advice like meditate, be mindful, etc. Completely disappointing.
March 8, 2019
It was a little bit of everything from why you take vitamins to meditation; from job hunting to retirement with some really bad metaphors thrown in. I'm sure everyone will get something from it because it's topics are wide and varied but nothing too indepth or groundbreaking.
June 3, 2018
4.5 I found I liked many ideas in this book. Always great to see the positive side of things. Want to re-read again soon!
March 21, 2019
A lot of great points and things to think about. The stories are all short and that makes this book a really fast and easy read. Overall, very uplifting and thought provoking.
August 13, 2020
Life is too short to unwittingly read a book about being positive through divorce and retirement. Abandoned.
July 17, 2022
A lot of the same old same old
Decent book with some nice stories but not much new. Don't give up, It's darkest before the dawn, fill in your own schmaltz.
Decent book with some nice stories but not much new. Don't give up, It's darkest before the dawn, fill in your own schmaltz.
April 30, 2023
It’s hard to stay focused on this book, but it’s an uplifting audio in the background!
September 30, 2016
I couldn't resist the optimism.
February 16, 2017
I loved the many stories shared from people of all walks of life and how they stayed optimistic and hopeful during some very difficult challenges.
Interesting to learn about the master mind which for me ultimately is similar to how I receive inspiration or revelation from God.
Interesting to learn about the master mind which for me ultimately is similar to how I receive inspiration or revelation from God.
November 30, 2013
No, not one I'd recommend. Lots of little antidotes that got very old and boring about half way through. Actually I really disagreed with some of them that came across as pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps kind of thing. I'm sure the intention was to get the readers feel-good endorphins flowing but the stories bored me, mainly because I didn't recognize any of the contributors and I felt like the authors credentials were weak. David Mezzapelle is just some guy with a self-proclaimed penchant penchant for optimism. No, I didn't like it at all. Kinda preachy. Kinda dull. Just wasn't interested in the majority of the stories. Of the 367 pages I made it to 177. I gave it a good try.
December 30, 2015
Great short stories that will leave you feeling optimistic and hopefully a new perspective on life. It's divided into different sections on life's challenges so I did skip the chapter on relationships as this was geared for those with trouble marriages or divorcees. So you can kind of pluck what you want from it the way it is laid out. I enjoy reading things that make me feel my glass is always going to be "half full". It's not really a self help book but more of a collection of short stories sorted into different categories. It was just a an easy, light read before bedtime, a couple stories and lights out. Not a snoozer but not a thriller either- average read.
August 23, 2015
Contagious optimism, I love it!
Ch. 7: Need Help Getting Somewhere? -- Ask and Answer by Barbara Rady Kazdan
I enjoyed reading this whole book, but I think the last sentence of this story stood out to me the most. "You are the only one who has the power to grant you permission."
Ch. 8: You Have Arrived! -- The Best is Yet to Come by Alan Malizia
"Why the fork?" :)
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
Ch. 7: Need Help Getting Somewhere? -- Ask and Answer by Barbara Rady Kazdan
I enjoyed reading this whole book, but I think the last sentence of this story stood out to me the most. "You are the only one who has the power to grant you permission."
Ch. 8: You Have Arrived! -- The Best is Yet to Come by Alan Malizia
"Why the fork?" :)
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
July 18, 2013
I enjoyed the book but you can't read it all at once. You have to pause between each story/essay to absorb the advice. The ones I found the most uplifting or poignant were the ones that most reflected who I am now, who I have been in the past, or who I hope to become in the future. I'm grateful that I won this book from LibraryThing.
December 20, 2013
Truth is, I'll never know all there is to know about you just as you will never know all there is to know about me. Humans are by nature too complicated to be understood fully. So, we can choose either to approach our fellow human beings with suspicion or to approach them with an open mind, a dash of optimism and a great deal of candour.
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks
April 6, 2014
You can be more contagiously optimistic in life, and author David Mezzapelle has combined wisdom to uplift and motivate from more than 65 professionals in coaching, medicine, social work and business. Here's is a summary of what I got out of his book Contagious Optimism: http://youtu.be/aMg9LeB0GWc
February 21, 2015
Always inspiring to read several co-authors stories!
October 3, 2014
Containing short stories of encouragement, this isn't a bad read. But otherwise I found little to appreciate. Likely I just didnt understand as I was looking for more of a self-help type of read.
October 27, 2014
very inspiring
March 16, 2015
One of the best books I have read
I used this not like books full of advice and such, well that was a mistake, I'm glad I changed my mind and ran into this one. Thank you
I used this not like books full of advice and such, well that was a mistake, I'm glad I changed my mind and ran into this one. Thank you
April 28, 2015
After awhile the stories get boring.
January 31, 2016
This was a compilation of inspiring stories. While it was good, I wasn't wowed. It wasn't bad, though. It had enough good stories in it about overcoming challenging situations.
April 11, 2021
Mostly short stories organized in a way to drive points on how being optimistic is good for your health, happiness and enjoyment of life. Overall it's a pretty slow pace with common themes.
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