Training With Examples

Examples by Adam Khan, author of Self-Help Stuff That Works

by Adam Khan

How do you explain it?

The most important two categories of optimism is how permanent and pervasive your explanations are of setbacks. See if you can guess which is the more optimistic explanation of the event. There's a link to the answers at the bottom.

You forgot you and your spouse's anniversary.
A. There's a lot going on in my life right now.
B. I'm forgetful.

You had an important meeting scheduled for yesterday, and you completely forgot about it until today.
A. I forgot to check my appointment book.
B. My memory isn't what it used to be.

You're late on a credit card payment.
A. I've been distracted by an important project.
B. When I get involved in something, I tend to get distracted.

You fail a test.
A. I didn't prepare well.
B. Preparation isn't my strong point.

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To Zip or Not to Zip

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