being a positive person essay

How to Be a More Positive Person (Even When Life Sucks) 

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H ave you ever met someone who effortlessly knows how to be more positive?

Those people who always seem happy, or at least content. They have an uncanny ability to find the silver lining—or at the very least not dwell on what they can’t change—in the face of frustrating, depressing, or frightening things. 

If you’ve met someone like that, you know it’s infectious. Truly positive people seem to radiate their outlook on life, causing others in their orbit to gain their own sunnier disposition. 

These people may make it look easy, but for most people, positivity doesn’t come naturally. 

Not with stress from work … Anxiety about our relationships … Struggles with friendships … Quarter-life crises …

Not to mention global climate change, economic and international crises, the growing wage gap… 

I could go on, but I’ll stop there. 

As you can see, I’m not always the most positive person. I know how easy it is to get caught up in all of that scary, challenging stuff. And I’ll spare you the details, but I can assure you I’ve seen my fair share of tragedy, pain, and trauma. 

But most days, if you met me, you’d probably think I’m one of those positive people I described in my introduction.

That’s because I’ve worked hard to become a more positive person. It hasn’t been easy, and there have been plenty of missteps along the way. 

But there are absolutely methods and habits anyone can use to cultivate positivity. I’m going to walk you through some of the best strategies I’ve found. 

Mental Health Resources

This article talks a lot about mental health and finding happiness. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or other mental health matters, speak with a professional counselor who can help. 

Check out these resources: 

Dial 988 to reach the national suicide & crisis hotline Mental Health FIRST AID American Counseling Association Healthline Resources

What does it really mean to be a more positive person?

A positive person is someone who maintains optimism, even if the face of strife or stress. They are the half-glass-full type of people, and are less prone to dwell on life’s challenges.

Unfortunately, there are some common misconceptions about what it means to live a positive life. Let me make this very clear: When I talk about being a positive person, I am not talking about… 

• Being happy all the time. In fact, it’s pretty much impossible to be more positive if you aren’t feeling a range of emotions. 
• Saying yes to everything. Positivity can bring good things into your life. But failing to set boundaries won’t bring anything but burnout . In fact, trying to be a people pleaser all the time is more likely to lead to resentment than positivity. 
• Putting on a smile for other people. True positivity is about finding a way to bring happiness and perspective into your own life. It’s not about how others perceive you. 
• Ignorant bliss. Positive people aren’t blind to the challenges of being human. Forget everything you know about the “stupid but happy” stereotype. That’s not what we’re talking about here. 

Now that that’s cleared up, what exactly does it mean to be a positive person? 

Positive people are resilient 

Positive people don’t sweat the small stuff

When we have a negative outlook on life, it’s easy to get caught up in the small things—old grudges, anxieties about the future, or past mistakes. When you learn to be more positive, these things become easier to deal with or let go of. 

Positive people enjoy better physical health

Maintaining a positive mindset can improve your physical health, because positive people experience less stress. There’s science to back this up. According to John Hopkins Medicine , positive people who had a family history of heart disease are far less likely to experience cardiovascular events themselves, compared to people who had a more negative outlook.

Positive people have deeper experiences and relationships

When you remove negativity from your life, it can feel like storm clouds evaporating. You are less bogged down by things that are out of your control, and able instead to focus on the experiences and relationships you value most.

Positive people are deliberately that way

It may be that some people are naturally more positive than others, due to either nature or nurture. But anyone who maintains positivity throughout their life is doing so intentionally—they have made a conscious choice to seek joy, express gratitude, and let go of things they can’t control. It does not happen by accident.

8 ways to be a more positive person

If you want to find a way to be more positive, you can start taking action now. I’ve listed out some of the things you should strive for to become more positive, but remember—these things take work! 

Be patient and kind to yourself. Don’t give up if you find yourself having negative thoughts or struggling to see the positive side of a situation. With patience, time, and dedication, you can start becoming the positive person you want to be.

1. Turn your environment into a healthy, non-toxic place

Much of the work you’ll do to become a more positive person will be internal—but your external surroundings can definitely impact how easy it will be to cultivate positivity. 

When I talk about your environment, I mean the people, places, and things you surround yourself with. To create a healthy space for your positivity to flourish, you’ll need to do some housekeeping in all three of these areas. 

You may find it’s easiest to start by making a healthier environment in the spaces that are yours—whether that’s your apartment, your desk at work, or your bedroom in your parents’ home. 

Take a look at these spaces and reflect for a moment on how they make you feel. Is the clutter on your desk stressing you out? Is there a big, empty wall in your room that could use some art? Even small changes like these can help you relax and feel more at peace—that’s the kind of thing that can help you create a foundation for positivity. It won’t happen overnight—but the more positive space you can create, the easier it will be to become a positive person.  

Distancing yourself from toxic people can be a lot harder. Sometimes we care deeply for people who are causing negativity—or our relationship with them makes it impossible to cut them out of our lives altogether. 

But people who consistently throw a wet blanket on your attempts to be positive are going to stand in your way. You’ll either need to address their behavior with them, or find a way to distance yourself from them as best you can.

2. Accept that bad things happen 

You know that saying, “Bad things happen to good people?” Well, it’s true. There’s no getting around it—unfortunate things happen to all of us, and it’s almost impossible to predict when life will send us an unexpected challenge. 

For some people, these challenges will start earlier in life, or be more frequent due to their personal circumstances. But it’s highly unlikely that you’ll live a full life without encountering some unlucky, bad stuff. 

That’s not an easy fact to accept—it’s natural for our brains to want to make sense of things that are tragic and challenging. Often, this will lead to feelings of shame, blame, or resentment—emotions that are really good at creating negative thoughts. 

If you are instead able to accept that bad things happen, often for no discernable reason at all, then it becomes much easier to cope with these difficult moments. Finding healthy ways to cope when the going gets tough is a big part of being a positive person.

3. Treat your mind and body well  

There’s no way I could write an entire article about being a positive person and not mention things like getting enough sleep , moving your body, and putting delicious, healthy things into your system. 

I am not here to tell you that you must give up drinking and go to bed at 9 p.m. sharp to be a positive person. Instead, I encourage you to check in frequently with your own physical and mental health, to see how you’re truly feeling in the moment. 

Checking in with yourself like this is as simple as finding a few minutes throughout the day to run a quiet, internal inventory. I personally like to do it when I wake up and before I go to sleep, but it’s best to find your own rhythm. 

As you check-in, ask yourself questions such as:

• How awake am I feeling? 
• Do I have any aches or pains? 
• How is my heart rate right now? 
• What emotions am I feeling today? 
• What thoughts are weighing on my mind? 

Listen to your own answers—the more you do this, the more you’ll be able to figure out if you need more sleep, or a glass of water, a phone call with a good friend, or a bit of yoga to warm you up.

Don’t take it from me. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can cause people to lose their positive outlook. And it’s well documented that moving your body helps your brain produce serotonin—the chemical that makes life seem sunnier. 

4. Find ways to practice gratitude

How often do you pause and think about the good things going on in your life? 

It’s so easy for us to dwell on the negative—our brains seem to want to think about stresses and anxieties, to eternally ask “what if” or say “not good enough.” 

But it’s not so easy for us to spend time thinking about all the good things we have going on—even if those good things seem very small compared to the negative stuff in our lives. 

Look, I know how annoying it can be when people try to force you to see the sunny side of a crappy situation. Sometimes, when life is really not going your way, it’s wise to acknowledge how awful things are and allow yourself to voice your sadness or frustration. 

But to become a more positive person, you must balance out these moments of sadness with reflections of gratitude.

What do I mean by gratitude?

It simply means acknowledging and being thankful for positive things. 

Sometimes this can be done completely silently and internally—a game I often play at stoplights when I’m driving is to list off some things I’m really thankful for until the light turns green. 

Laughing, smiling, and allowing yourself to relax also can count as forms of expressing gratitude—but try to bring some awareness to these happy moments, so that you can hold onto them longer and recall them when you need them.  

You can also keep a gratitude journal, where you write down once or twice a day something positive that happened or something you’re thankful for.

And I highly recommend this—tell the people around you what you are grateful for! Tell your dad how thankful you are for the delicious meal he cooked, or let your best friend know how much fun you have with them. 

Positivity is infectious. Share it with others, and acknowledge it within yourself, and it will continue to grow and spread.

5. Strive to experience a wide range of emotions 

Earlier in this piece, I mentioned it isn’t possible to become a more positive person if you aren’t able to experience a full range of emotions. 

This includes emotions that are often seen as total opposites to positivity: sadness, anger, confusion, disgust, frustration, grief—all of these emotions serve a purpose, and without them, true positivity will remain out of reach. 

Sadness and grief allow you to process challenging things, so you can let them go or adapt to them faster. 

Anger and disgust can protect you when you’re in danger, and frustration and confusion are necessary to solve problems. 

These emotions also work together, and are not always easy to separate from one another. 

For example, most of my memories of my late mother are both incredibly joyful, and because she’s no longer here, bring me plenty of sadness. If I refused to feel that sadness, then the joyful memories would also be out of reach. And robbing yourself of joy is a surefire way to sabotage your mission to become a more positive person. 

Learning how to manage your emotions (instead of bottling them up or ignoring them) will give you a huge advantage in life. But it’s not easy, and it takes practice. And how can you practice if you refuse to let yourself really feel these emotions? 

If you really want to get a good (and entertaining) depiction of what I’m talking about, I highly recommend Pixar’s masterpiece about emotions, Inside Out .

6. Allow yourself to be playful and weird

Have you ever noticed how much kids smile and laugh when they are playing games with each other? That’s because play is something that is innately positive—and sadly, it’s something we stop talking about after childhood. 

As you grow into adulthood, you’ll find there are plenty of heavy things to worry about. As you gain more responsibilities, your “play time” will be eaten up by super-serious grownup stuff , like work, paying rent, or going on awkward first dates. 

To help you keep that positive spark alive into adulthood, you need to make time for yourself to be playful, silly, weird, and uniquely you.

Playtime will look different for everyone. For me, it often means cocktails and food with friends who make me laugh, or simply a long and relaxing swim in the lake near my house—and maybe the occasional dance party in my underwear when no one is watching. 

Remember that playfulness and creativity are closely linked. Painting, singing, dancing, writing, dressing up in a unique outfit—all of these things are excellent ways of playing and finding a creative outlet.  

Allowing your creativity to flow, for no other reason than simply because you enjoy it, will allow you to feel more positive in the face of those dreary moments that make up a lot of adult life. 

7. Learn how to be more positive at work, get positive results

It’s not uncommon to feel like your “work life” and “personal life” are two separate things. It’s also completely possible to be a positive person when you’re not in the office, while at work you are plagued with negative thoughts and feelings. 

It can feel impossible to bring positivity if you’re working with a toxic boss , or if you are preoccupied with the idea that it may be time to quit your job . But I have written a few resources that can definitely make it easier to ease the resentment and frustration:

8. Let go of blame and resentment  

I’m leaving the hardest one for last—but there’s no way around it. If you want to become a more positive person, then you have to actively work toward letting go, forgiving, and moving on from the past. 

This takes work! Especially when we feel we have been done wrong by someone or something in the past. It gets even worse if we feel like things were unresolved—justice was never served and wounds were never healed. 

Holding on to these things after they are over, though, will make it impossible for positivity to grow. 

I wish I could tell you how to let go of things that linger from your past, but there’s simply not enough of a word count to do it. But one method is practicing mindfulness, something I wrote about in these articles: 

As I’ve mentioned earlier in this article, mental health counseling and support can be very useful when working through issues from your past. I’ve found talking things out with a professional counselor has helped me accept things that were out of my control, thus making space for positivity to grow. 

Those are some of my best tips for finding a way to a more positive life. You should feel proud that you’re looking for ways to reduce negativity and find a happier way to live—if you put in the work, it will be sunnier skies for your future.  

Thank you boss – waiting for more of this encouraging advice and stories

We’re here for ya – come back soon. 😉

Thank you for the great advice!!! This is a VERY BEAUTIFUL WORLD WE LIVE IN!!!! There is so much beauty and happiness out there!!!!! We just need to correct Our Thinking!! Thank you very much!!!!

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Essay on Positive Thinking

Positive thinking refers to a belief or mental attitude which makes us think that good things will happen eventually and our efforts will pay off sooner or later. It is the opposite of negative thinking which makes our mind full of stress and fear. Thus, an essay on positive thinking will show us how it reinforces thoughts like optimism and hope and works wonders.

Benefits of Positive Thinking

Let it be clear that positive thinking does not mean you do not notice the bad things in life. It means you try to find a solution in a productive way instead of whining about it. There are many benefits of positive thinking.

The first one is better health. Negative thinking gives rise to anxiety, stress, frustration and more. However, positive thinking helps you avoid all this and focus on staying healthy and doing better in life.

Further, it is essential for us to fight depression which positive thinking helps with. Similarly, it will also help us to relieve stress. Positive thinking overwhelms stress and it will allow you to get rid of stress.

As a result, positive thinking helps you live longer. It is because you will be free from diseases that form due to stress, anxiety and more. Moreover, it is also the key to success. Meaning to say, success becomes easier when you don’t bash yourself up.

Similarly, it also gives us more confidence. It boosts our self-esteem and helps in becoming more confident and self-assured. Therefore, we must certainly adopt positive thinking to make the most of our lives.

How to Build a Positive Thinking

There are many ways through which we can build positive thinking. To begin with, we must inculcate the habit of reading motivational and inspiring stories of people who are successful.

All this will help in motivating and inspiring you and showing you the right path. Moreover, it is important to never let negative thoughts thrive in your mind and work towards putting end to this habit.

You can do so by replacing your negative thoughts with constructive and positive reviews. Start to pay attention to your ideas and don’t pay heed to negative thoughts. Further, it is helpful to use affirmations.

These positive statements will truly sink into your subconscious mind and guide you to take better action. It will also help in visualising your dreams and getting the right means to achieve them fast.

Finally, always stay guard and gatekeep your mind to make important changes in life. In other words, do not be afraid to take actions. Keep yourself busy and do different things to avoid becoming cynical and remaining positive.

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Conclusion of the Essay on Positive Thinking

To conclude, we must change our attitude and believe that we will succeed one day. Moreover, we also need to implement positive thinking techniques which will help us learn from our failures and stay focused. As positive thinking plays an essential role in our lives, we must make sure to adopt in our lives.

FAQ of Essay on Positive Thinking

Question 1: What is positive thinking?

Answer 1: Positive thinking is basically an optimistic attitude. In other words, it is the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation. This kind of thinking can have a big impact on your physical and mental health .

Question 2: Why is positive thinking important?

Answer 2: Positive thinking is important as it helps us with stress management and can even improve our health. Moreover, some studies show that personality traits like optimism can affect many areas of our health and well-being. Thus, positive thinking comes with optimism

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The Power of Positivity

Why is positivity so important and how do you grow yours find out here..

Posted January 1, 2021 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

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Positivity refers to our tendency to be optimistic in life. This is in contrast to negativity, which is all about thinking, feeling, and doing negative things. When we have positivity, we might think positive, have positive emotions, and do positive things.

Positivity can lead to better mental health and well-being (take the well-being quiz here ). For example, self-directed positive thinking can buffer us from the effects of stress (Taylor & Brown, 1994). So try being positive toward yourself, for example, by building your self-compassion skills.

Future-oriented positivity can also be powerful. For example, optimism can lead to better social relationships and a better ability to cope with stress (Taylor & Brown, 1994).

Examples of Positivity

Here are some examples to help you use the power of positivity in your life.

• Self-oriented positivity: “I'm a good person.”
• Other-oriented positivity: “My friends aren't perfect, but they are there for me when I need them.”
• Gratitude : “I’m so lucky to have such a great husband."
• Paying attention to the positive: “That movie was so cool.”
• Savoring: “That vacation last year made me feel so relaxed and connected.”
• Future-oriented positivity: “I'm looking forward to my friend's 'Friendsgiving' this year.”

Brain Training and Positivity

Research has shown that we can improve cognitive function in ways that boost positivity. For example, computerized training that leads people to focus on the positive over the negative contributes to positive outcomes (Wadlinger & Isaacowitz, 2008).

Power of Positivity Practices

Here are some practices that can help you increase your positivity.

1. Write a self-compassion letter

Being comfortable with yourself—and showing yourself some compassion—can make it easier to find, express, and receive positivity. To build your self-compassion, try writing yourself a self-compassion letter (Shapira & Mongrain, 2010). In this letter, you say nice things to yourself and give yourself a break for anything that you might have been judging yourself for.

2. Practice positive reappraisal

Positive reappraisal is an emotion regulation strategy that involves trying to reframe the situation to find its benefits and decrease our negative emotions.

3. Practice gratitude

Gratitude journals and lists are good ways to grow positivity. Just try to think of something you're grateful for each day or every few days to boost your gratitude.

4. Try doing a positivity meditation

Mindfulness meditation has become wildly popular. But what about positivity meditations? These can help you focus your thoughts on the positive and improve your mood. You can find several of these meditations on YouTube.

When Positivity Might Backfire

It turns out that forcing people into positivity can backfire. For example, putting pessimists into a positive mood not only hurts performance, but it can also actually make them feel more anxious . Sometimes we use worry and other negative outcomes to help us. Also, suppression and other forms of emotional avoidance are not good for well-being. So if positivity doesn't feel right for you, or doesn't feel right in a specific situation, that's okay.

How to Boost the Power of Positivity

Sometimes we just need to get our minds open and ready to think more positively. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What positive qualities do you have?
• What strengths do you have?
• What are you grateful for?
• What do you have to look forward to (or what can you create so you do have things to look forward to)?

In Sum: Capitalizing on the Power of Positivity

If you want more positivity, you can build it. Just be sure not to force positivity when it doesn't feel right. The more you practice skills that generate positivity, the happier you can become.

Created with content from The Berkeley Well-Being Institute.

Taylor, S. E., & Brown, J. D. (1994). Positive illusions and well-being revisited: separating fact from fiction.

Wadlinger, H. A., & Isaacowitz, D. M. (2008). Looking happy: The experimental manipulation of a positive visual attention bias. Emotion, 8(1), 121.

Shapira, L. B., & Mongrain, M. (2010). The benefits of self-compassion and optimism exercises for individuals vulnerable to depression. Journal of Positive Psychology, 5, 377-389.

Norem, J. K., & Chang, E. C. (2002). The positive psychology of negative thinking. Journal of clinical psychology, 58(9), 993-1001.

Tchiki Davis, Ph.D. , is a consultant, writer, and expert on well-being technology.

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Essay On Positivity In Life For Students

Positivity is one of the most important things in life. You can overcome all the obstacles and problems in your life with a positive attitude. If you get out of bed in the morning with a negative mindset, the whole day will be ruined.

There is no one I know who can’t find something to be happy about. And it applies to every single person. The most successful people in the world are positive people.

Table of Contents

Short Essay About Positive attitudes In Life For Students

There will be times when you are feeling down and that’s okay. Just make sure that you don’t dwell on the negative things and that you focus on the positive things in your life. Positivity is a choice. You can choose to be positive or you can choose to be negative. It’s up to you. Choose wisely.

Positivity is the key to happiness. If you are happy, you are more likely to be positive. And if you are positive, you are more likely to be happy. It’s a never-ending cycle. The more positive you are, the happier you will be. And the happier you are, the more positive you will be. Be happy and be positive.

Positivity is also the key to success . If you have a positive attitude, you are more likely to achieve your goals. You need to believe in yourself and your abilities in order to be successful. Just because you have a negative thought, doesn’t mean it will become a reality. You have the power to control your thoughts and your emotions. Choose to be positive and success will follow.

Positivity leads to a healthier lifestyle. When you are positive, you make better choices. You are more likely to exercise and eat healthy food. You are also less likely to smoke and drink. A positive attitude leads to a healthier body and a healthier mind. Positivity is the key to a better life. Choose to be positive and watch your life change for the better.

Positivity is the key to a good life. If you want to live a good life, you need to be positive. There will be obstacles and problems, but you need to overcome them with a positive attitude. A positive attitude leads to happiness, success, and a healthier lifestyle. Choose to be positive and watch your life change for the better.

Positivity, choosing positivity, living a good life, the power of positivity, being positive, surrounding yourself with positive people, finding a balance, the key to happiness, the key to success, a healthier lifestylePositivity truly is one of the most important things in life. It is a choice that we make every day.

To be positive or negative. The power of positivity is often underestimated. Being positive does not mean that you will never experience negative emotions or that you will never face problems. It simply means that you have the ability to see the glass half full rather than half empty. When you choose to be positive, you choose to be happy. And when you are happy, you are more likely to be successful.

The benefits of surrounding yourself with positive people are immense. Positive people radiate joy and happiness. They make you feel good just by being around them. And when you feel good, you are more likely to make positive choices – choices that lead to a healthier lifestyle. So, the next time you find yourself faced with a problem, take a step back and choose to see the glass half full. Be positive and watch your life change for the better.

Positivity is one of the most important things in life. It’s a choice that you make. Choose to be positive and watch your life change for the better.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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How to Be a Good Person Essay

What does it mean to be a good person? The essay below aims to answer this question. It focuses on the qualities of a good person.

Introduction

What does it mean to be a good person, qualities of good person, works cited.

The term “good” has relative meanings depending on the person who is defining it. Several qualities can be used to define what constitutes a good person. However, there are certain basic qualities that are used to define a good person. They include honesty, trust, generosity, compassion, empathy, humility, and forgiveness (Gelven 24).

These qualities are important because they promote peaceful coexistence among people because they prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. A good person is fair and just to all and does not judge people. He or she is nice to everyone regardless of religion, race, social and economic class, health status, or physical state (Gelven 25).

A good person treats other people with respect, care, and compassion. Respect shows that an individual values and views the other person as a worthy human being who deserves respect. Compassion is a quality that enables people to identify with other people’s suffering (Gelven 27). It motivates people to offer help in order to alleviate the suffering of others. A good person has compassion for others and finds ways to help people who are suffering. Showing compassion for the suffering makes them happy.

It promotes empathy, understanding, and support. In addition, good people are forgiving. They do not hold grudges and let go of anger that might lead them to hurt others. They think positively and focus their thoughts on things that improve their relationships (Needleman 33). They avoid thinking about past mistakes or wrongs done by others. Instead, they think of how they can forgive and move on.

A good person is honest and trustworthy. This implies that they avoid all situations that might hurt the other person, such as telling lies, revealing secrets, and gossiping (Needleman 34). As such, their character or personality cannot be doubted because they do not harbor hidden intentions.

They act in open ways that reveal their true characters and personalities. On the other hand, good people are kind and respectful. They offer help voluntarily and work hard to improve the well-being of other people. In addition, they treat all people equally despite their social, physical, or sexual orientations. Good people do not discriminate, hate, deny people their rights, steal, lie, or engage in corrupt practices (Tuan 53).

Good people behave courageously and view the world as a fair and beautiful place to live in (Needleman 40). They view the world as a beautiful place that offers equal opportunities to everyone. Good people believe that humans have the freedom to either make the world a better or worse place to live in. They act and behave in ways that improve and make the world a better place.

For example, they conserve the environment by keeping it clean for future generations. A popular belief holds that people who conserve the environment are not good but just environmental enthusiasts. However, that notion is incorrect and untrue. People conserve the environment because of their goodness. They think not only about themselves but also about future generations (Tuan 53). They are not self-centered and mean but generous and caring.

Good people are characterized by certain qualities that include trust, honesty, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, respect, courage, and goodwill. They do not steal, lie, discriminate, or deny people their rights. They think about others’ welfare and advocate for actions that make the world a better place. They promote justice and fairness because they view everyone as a deserving and worthy human being.

Gelven, Michael. The Risk of Being: What it Means to be Good and Bad . New York: Penn State Press, 1997. Print.

Needleman, Jacob. Why Can’t We be good? New York: Penguin Group US, 2007. Print.

Tuan, Yi-Fu. Human Goodness . New York: University of Wisconsin Press, 2008. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2023, October 28). How to Be a Good Person Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/what-it-means-to-be-a-good-person/

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Good Qualities in a Person: 150+ Positive Character Traits

Understanding and appreciating the qualities that make us human can be a journey of self-discovery, a tool for character development, or a compass for personal growth. 

Whether you’re a teacher nurturing these traits in your students, a mental health professional guiding your clients, a writer crafting compelling characters, or simply someone seeking to better understand yourself and others — this resource is for you.

At Good Good Good , we celebrate stories of good people making a positive difference in the world . So, it made sense for us to compile this guide of diverse vocabulary to describe the qualities of a good person.

Remember: No one person can have every good quality — but every person does have some good qualities. We each have an opportunity and an obligation to continue to grow and improve ourselves.

Like Maya Angelou said , “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

We’ve curated the most comprehensive list of positive character traits on the internet. From Adventurous to Zealous, this guide serves as a testament to the multifaceted dimensions of character that make us uniquely human.

Whether you’re utilizing this resource for yourself or others, we hope it brings value to your journey.

You might also like: List of Personality Traits | List of Positive Words To Describe Someone | List of Emotions | List of Mood Words | List of Positive Affirmations

Good Personality Traits To Describe Good People

• Accountable
• Adventurous
• Anti-discriminatory
• Anti-racist
• Anti-sexist
• Appreciative
• Civic-minded
• Collaborative
• Communicative
• Compassionate
• Conscientious
• Considerate
• Constructive
• Cooperative
• Disciplined
• Eco-conscious
• Egalitarian
• Emotionally Intelligent
• Encouraging
• Enthusiastic
• Environmentally Friendly
• Fashionable
• Humanitarian
• Imaginative
• Independent
• Individualistic
• Intelligent
• Interesting
• Leader-like
• Lighthearted
• Negotiating
• Non-discriminatory 
• Non-exploitative
• Non-violent
• Open-minded
• Persevering
• Philanthropic
• Problem-solving
• Progressive
• Resourceful
• Responsible
• Self-confident
• Self-controlled
• Self-disciplined
• Self-reliant
• Socially Conscious
• Sustainable
• Sympathetic
• Team-oriented
• Trustworthy
• Understanding
• Willing to Learn

You might also like: Positive Words from A-Z

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What Is Optimism?

How Optimism Affects Your Physical and Mental Health

Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

Tim Robberts / Getty Images

Signs of Optimism

Are you an optimist or pessimist, causes of optimism.

• How to Practice

Impact of Optimism

Potential pitfalls.

Optimism is a mental attitude characterized by hope and confidence in success and a positive future. Optimists tend to view hardships as learning experiences or temporary setbacks. Even the most miserable day holds the promise for them that "tomorrow will probably be better."

Optimists expect good things to happen, whereas pessimists instead predict unfavorable outcomes. Optimistic attitudes are linked to several benefits, including better coping skills, lower stress levels, better physical health, and higher persistence when pursuing goals.

If you always see the brighter side of things, you may experience more positive events in your life than others, find yourself less stressed, and even enjoy more significant health benefits.

There are many key characteristics that optimists tend to share. Some signs that you tend to be optimistic:

• You feel that good things will happen in the future.
• You expect things to work out for the best.
• You feel like you will succeed in the face of life's challenges.
• You feel that the future looks bright.
• You think that even good things can come from adverse events.
• You see challenges or obstacles as opportunities to learn.
• You feel gratitude for the good things in your life.
• You are always looking for ways to make the most of opportunities.
• You have a positive attitude about yourself and others.
• You accept responsibility for mistakes but don't dwell on them.
• You don't let one bad experience muddy your expectations for the future.

An example of optimism is believing that there will always be opportunities to make things better tomorrow, even if you are experiencing challenges today.

Take our fast and free quiz to find out if you are more of an optimist or pessimist.

The exact causes of optimism are not fully understood, but several factors likely play a role. Genetics, upbringing, culture, and other environmental influences can influence optimism.

According to one twin study, genetics account for around 25% of optimism. Another study found that age is an important determinant, with optimism increasing through young adulthood, leveling off between ages 55 and 70, and then declining in older adulthood.

Research has also shown that optimism and pessimism are influenced by neurophysiology. Optimistic attitudes are associated with activity in the lef-hemisphere of the brain, while pessimistic characteristics are connected to activity in the right hemisphere.

Explanatory Styles

Many factors influence optimism, but whether you tend to be more of an optimist or more of a pessimist can often be explained by how you explain the events of your life.

Explanatory style or attributional style refers to how people explain the events of their lives. There are three facets of how people can explain a situation. This can influence whether they lean toward being optimists or pessimists:

• Stable vs. Unstable: Can time change things, or do things stay the same regardless of time?
• Global vs. Local: Is a situation a reflection of just one part of your life, or your life as a whole?
• Internal vs. External: Do you feel events are caused by you or by an outside force?

Realists see things relatively clearly, but most of us aren’t realists. Instead, we tend to attribute the events in our lives either optimistically or pessimistically.

Optimist Explanatory Style

Optimists explain positive events as having happened because of their own actions or characteristics (internal). They also see them as evidence that more positive things will happen in the future (stable) and in other areas of their lives (global).

Conversely, they see negative events as not being their fault (external). They also see them as being flukes (isolated) that have nothing to do with other areas of their lives or future events (local).

For example, if an optimist gets a promotion, they will likely believe it’s because they are good at their job and will receive more benefits and promotions in the future. If they are passed over for the promotion, it’s likely because they were having an bad month because of extenuating circumstances, but will do better in the future.

Pessimist Explanatory Style

Pessimists think in the opposite way. They believe that negative events are caused by their own mistakes or traits (internal). They believe that one mistake means more will come (stable), and mistakes in other areas of life are inevitable (global) because they are the cause. They see positive events as flukes (local) that are caused by things outside their control (external) and probably won’t happen again (unstable).

A pessimist would see a promotion as a lucky event that probably won’t happen again, and may even worry that they’ll now be under more scrutiny. Being passed over for a promotion would probably be explained as not being skilled enough. They would, therefore, expect to be passed over again.

Attribute positive events to internal causes

Attribute negative events to external causes

Believe that good things will happen in the future

Tend to view bad things as mistakes or random flukes

Attribute positive events to external causes

Attribute negative events to internal causes

Believe that bad things will happen in the future

Tend to see good things as mistakes or flukes

How to Practice Optimism

Understandably, if you’re an optimist, this bodes well for your future. Negative events are more likely to roll off of your back while positive events affirm your belief in yourself, your ability to make good things happen now and in the future, and in the goodness of life.

Research suggests that genetics determine about 25% of your optimism levels and environmental variables out of your control—such as your socioeconomic status—also play an important role.   But this doesn't mean that you can't actively improve your attitude.

While you might tend to have either an optimistic or pessimistic explanatory style, there are things that you can do the help cultivate a more optimistic attitude. These include:

• Become more mindful : Mindfulness is a focus on being engaged, attentive, and present in the here and now. It can be a useful technique to help you focus on what matters in the present and avoid worrying about future events and things that are outside of your control. If you are living fully in the moment, you are much less likely to ruminate over negative past experiences or worry about upcoming events. This allows you to feel more appreciative of what you have now and less consumed with regrets and anxieties.
• Practice gratitude : Gratitude can be defined as an appreciation for what is important in life. One study found that participants who were assigned to write in a gratitude journal showed increased optimism and resilience .   If you are trying to develop a more optimistic attitude, set aside a few minutes each day to jot down some of the things for which you are grateful.
• Write down your positive emotions : Research has shown that something as simple as writing down positive thoughts can help improve your optimism. One study found that expressive writing focused on positive emotions was linked to decreased mental distress and improved mental well-being.  

It is also possible to develop learned optimism . Pessimists can essentially learn to be optimists by thinking about their reactions to adversity in a new way and consciously challenge negative self-talk.

Cognitive Restructuring

Using a practice called cognitive restructuring , you can help yourself and others become more optimistic by consciously challenging negative, self-limiting thinking and replacing it with more optimistic thought patterns.

The process of cognitive restructuring involves a few different steps:

• Identify the situations that are triggering negative thoughts or moods.
• Assess how you are feeling in the moment.
• Identify the negative thoughts that you are having in response to the situation.
• Look at the evidence to either support or refute your negative thoughts.
• Focus on the objective facts, and replace automatic negative thoughts with more positive, realistic ones.

Optimism is important because it can have such a significant impact on your mental and physical well-being. Research has shown that an optimistic worldview carries certain advantages, such as better health, greater achievement, less stress, and greater longevity.

Better Health

Studies regularly show that optimists are more likely to maintain better physical health than pessimists, including a 50% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and greater survival rates when fighting cancer.   Some studies have also linked a pessimistic explanatory style with higher rates of infectious disease, poor health, and earlier mortality.

Greater Achievement

Psychologist Martin Seligman, the founding father of positive psychology , analyzed sports teams and found that the more optimistic teams created more positive synergy and performed better than the pessimistic ones .

Another study showed that pessimistic swimmers who were led to believe they’d done worse than they had were prone to future poor performance. Optimistic swimmers didn’t have this vulnerability.

Persistence

Optimists don’t give up as easily as pessimists, and they are more likely to achieve success because of it. People with optimistic attitudes are more likely to continue working toward their goals, even in the face of obstacles, challenges, and setbacks. Such persistence ultimately means that they are more likely to accomplish their goals.

Emotional Health

Research suggests that cognitive therapy (which involves reframing a person's thought processes) can be as effective or more effective than antidepressant medications in the treatment of clinical depression .

Such improvements also tend to be long-lasting, suggesting that they are more than a temporary fix. People with this optimism training appear to be better able to handle future setbacks effectively.

Increased Longevity

In a retrospective study of 34 healthy Hall of Fame baseball players who played between 1900 and 1950, optimists lived significantly longer. Other studies have shown that optimistic breast cancer patients had a better quality of life than pessimistic and hopeless patients.  

Less Stress

Optimists also tend to experience less stress than pessimists or realists. Because they believe in themselves and their abilities, they expect good things to happen. They see negative events as minor setbacks to be easily overcome and view positive events as evidence of further good things to come. Believing in themselves, they also take more risks and create more positive events in their lives.

Research shows that optimists are more proactive with stress management . They tend to favor approaches that reduce or eliminate stressors and their emotional consequences. Because optimists work harder at stress management, they are less stressed.

Optimism is generally a positive characteristic that confers a number of physical and mental health benefits. But this does not mean that is doesn't have a few potential pitfalls. Some ways that optimism can be detrimental include:

• Optimism bias : Sometimes excessive optimism can lead people to overestimate the likelihood that they can experience good things while avoiding bad things. The optimism bias suggests that people often underestimate their risk of experiencing negative outcomes. This can sometimes lead people to engage in risky behaviors that actually increase their chances of having a bad outcome.
• Poor risk assessment : When people are overly optimistic about something, they may be less likely to think about all of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate those issues. This can ultimately make it more likely that their efforts might fail, or at least run into major problems along the way.
• Toxic positivity : Sometimes people tend to overvalue positive feelings while ignoring or even repressing negative ones. It can also cause people to invalidate the emotional experiences of people who are going through difficult times.

Optimists can avoid some of these pitfalls by focusing on maintaining a healthy, realistic approach to positivity. Rather than focusing only on "staying positive" and ignoring other emotions, the goal should be to try to look on the bright side while still acknowledging the difficulties of the situation.

Carver CS, Scheier MF, Segerstrom SC. Optimism .  Clin Psychol Rev . 2010;30(7):879-889. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.006

Plomin R, Scheier MF, Bergeman CS, Pedersen NL, Nesselroade JR, McClearn GE. Optimism, pessimism and mental health: A twin/adoption analysis . Personality and Individual Differences . 1992;13(8):921-930. doi:10.1016/0191-8869(92)90009-E

Chopik WJ, Oh J, Kim ES, et al. Changes in optimism and pessimism in response to life events: Evidence from three large panel studies . Journal of Research in Personality . 2020;88:103985. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2020.103985

Hecht D. The neural basis of optimism and pessimism .  Exp Neurobiol . 2013;22(3):173-199. doi:10.5607/en.2013.22.3.173

Carver CS, Scheier MF. Dispositional optimism .  Trends Cogn Sci . 2014;18(6):293-299. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2014.02.003

Wells T, Albright L, Keown K, et al. Expressive writing: Improving optimism, purpose, and resilience writing and gratitude .  Innov Aging . 2018;2(Suppl 1):241. doi:10.1093/geroni/igy023.900

Smyth JM, Johnson JA, Auer BJ, Lehman E, Talamo G, Sciamanna CN. Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being in general medical patients with elevated anxiety symptoms: A preliminary randomized controlled trial .  JMIR Ment Health . 2018;5(4):e11290. doi:10.2196/11290

Conversano C, Rotondo A, Lensi E, Della vista O, Arpone F, Reda MA. Optimism and its impact on mental and physical well-being. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health . 2010;6:25-9. doi:10.2174%2F1745017901006010025

Stanula A, Maszczyk A, Roczniok R, et al. The development and prediction of athletic performance in freestyle swimming .  J Hum Kinet . 2012;32:97-107. doi:10.2478/v10078-012-0027-3

Driessen E, Hollon SD. Cognitive behavioral therapy for mood disorders: Efficacy, moderators and mediators.   Psychiatr Clin North Am . 2010;33(3):537-555. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.005

Applebaum AJ, Stein EM, Lord-Bessen J, Pessin H, Rosenfeld B, Breitbart W. Optimism, social support, and mental health outcomes in patients with advanced cancer .  Psychooncology . 2014;23(3):299-306. doi:10.1002/pon.3418

By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Writing for Resilience: The Impact of the Positive Purpose Essay on Students

• Oct 29, 2019
• Social and Emotional Learning

The Power of Purpose

When students enter the schoolhouse door without a sense of positive purpose, it is difficult for them to connect their varied learning experiences and other opportunities into a coherent whole that shapes their lives.  They lack a strong reason to learn, take on challenges, or behave well. An enduring sense of purpose typically emerges in adulthood, but having a primary goal, a moral compass, a focus on something other than, and larger than, oneself, and actions that align with these beliefs, start to become particularly important in middle school.

Stanford University psychologist William Damon views purpose as a “stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at once meaningful to the self and of positive consequence to the world beyond the self.”

Not surprisingly, positive purpose is connected to social-emotional learning skills.  For example, here are links with social awareness:

• Finding your special task –  what it is that allows you to excel?
• Recognizing your feelings and using them as a guide to your actions
• Recognizing and encouraging the achievements of yourself and also of others, for large and small accomplishments, as they contribute to purpose.

Getting Started with a Positive Purpose Essay

Writing an essay about positive purpose is an important way to build social awareness, as well as provide direction and energy for learning.  But students usually can’t just start writing. Here are some steps to get them ready:

• Look at the positive purpose of well-known individuals, via non-fiction books, biographies, documentaries, social studies, current events.
• Learn about, reflect on, and write about the positive purpose of a personally-known individual – interview a local hero, community leader, member of the clergy, first responder, family member, educator or other staff member in the school. 
• Write about one’s own positive purpose.

Use a Prompt to Guide Writing

You can use a standard essay writing prompt for your students’ grade level, adapted to positive purpose as the subject of the essay.  Here is an example from middle school in Jersey City, NJ:

In your classes and in your life you may have learned about and encountered people with a strong sense of purpose. Similarly, you might feel your own sense of purpose. In a five-paragraph essay that includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and conclusion, please respond to the following:

•           What is your definition of purpose?
•           What might be your purpose? Why?
•           How would someone know that is your purpose in life?  

From an essay written by an 8 th grader from a high-poverty, low-achieving school based on the prompt above, here is the introduction and definition of purpose:

The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others,” said Albert Schweitzer. I believe I was made to  entertain, inspire creativity and guide others.

I think the definition of purpose means reason to do something, like when you say what’s your purpose for choosing a certain career, and you state  your reasons. This is why I strongly am convinced that I was made to guide  and entertain others because, having a strong passion for art and Broadway plays… A purpose of doing something can lead you into realizing what you want to grow up to be, as you recognize what you like to do.

Here is how she responded to the last prompt:

Others would realize what my purpose in life is by knowing what my career and life goals are or, who I admire to be one day. I admire to be like Steve Jobs because I believe without mistakes you can never grow to be an exemplary person and, even though Steve Jobs failed many times he became one of the most successful men in our generation.

Try It With Your Students

Her essay—and those of her peers in Grades 6-8—opened her teachers’ eyes about the depth of her thinking, aspirations, and abilities. By articulating their sense of purpose, students became more aware of their own potential, and their own assets.

Try it with your students.  Have them share drafts of their essays with classmates, get several rounds of feedback, and then practice reading them with clarity and pride in class, at assemblies, or at parent or community meetings.  Students can also communicate their positive purposes by creating artistic or musical renderings, along with brief write-ups.  I am sure your students can find creative ways of communicating their sense of purpose, and in doing so, they will become more resilient.

Join me in the October 30th webinar to learn more about purpose, as well as Laws of Life, and Students Taking Action Together—activities you can use with students to engage them in ways that skills-focused training typically does not.

About the Author

Psychology Professor at Rutgers University

Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D., is a professor and former director of clinical training in the Department of Psychology, Rutgers University. He is also director of the  Rutgers Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab , academic director of the  Collaborative Center for Community-Based Research and Service  and founding member of the Leadership Team for the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).

Dr. Elias lectures nationally and internationally and devotes his research and writing to the area of social-emotional and character development in children, schools, and families. He is a licensed psychologist and writes a blog on social- emotional and character development for the  George Lucas Educational Foundation . He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Ellen, near their children and grandchildren.

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Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Students are often asked to write an essay on Qualities of a Successful Person in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Introduction.

A successful person is not defined by wealth alone. Success is about achieving personal goals, being happy, and contributing to society. Let’s explore some qualities of a successful person.

Hard work is crucial. Successful people understand that effort is required to achieve goals. They are not afraid of challenges or failures.

Resilience is another key. Success often comes after numerous failures. Successful people learn from their mistakes and keep trying.

Positive Attitude

A positive attitude helps in overcoming obstacles. Successful people are optimistic and believe in their abilities.

These qualities are essential for success. Cultivate them to achieve your life goals.

250 Words Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Success is a subjective term, varying from person to person. However, certain qualities are universally recognized as key indicators of a successful individual. These include resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability among others.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks. Successful people are not immune to failures, but they possess the mental fortitude to learn from these experiences and continue forward. They view obstacles not as insurmountable barriers, but as opportunities for growth and learning.

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is another hallmark of success. It involves understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and motivations. Successful people are introspective, continually examining their actions and decisions. This self-awareness allows them to make informed choices, align their actions with their values, and continuously improve themselves.

Adaptability

In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is a crucial trait for success. Successful people are open to new ideas and are able to adjust their strategies and plans to suit changing circumstances. They are not rigid in their thinking or approach, but rather, they embrace change and innovation.

While there are many qualities that can contribute to a person’s success, resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability stand out as particularly important. These qualities enable individuals to navigate the challenges of life, learn from their experiences, and continually adapt to new circumstances. Therefore, cultivating these qualities is a worthwhile endeavor for anyone seeking to achieve success.

500 Words Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Success is a multifaceted concept, often defined differently by different people. Some perceive it as financial prosperity, while others view it as achieving personal goals or attaining inner peace. Regardless of the definition, there are certain qualities that successful people universally share. This essay will delve into some of these qualities.

Self-Discipline

One of the most important qualities of a successful person is self-discipline. It is the ability to control one’s impulses, emotions, desires, and behavior. It is what separates the successful from the unsuccessful. Successful people understand the importance of consistency and persistence in their actions. They do not let immediate gratification distract them from their long-term goals.

Resilience is another critical quality. Success is not always a smooth journey; it is often fraught with failures and setbacks. Successful people are those who can withstand these challenges and bounce back stronger. They view failures not as the end but as stepping stones towards success. They learn from their mistakes and use them to improve and grow.

Successful people are invariably passionate about what they do. This passion fuels their drive and determination to succeed. It gives them the energy to put in the hard work and the patience to wait for the results. They love what they do, and this love propels them towards their goals.

Curiosity and Continuous Learning

Successful individuals are inherently curious. They have an insatiable desire to learn and grow. They understand that the world is constantly evolving, and to stay ahead, they must continually update their knowledge and skills. They are open to new ideas and perspectives, and they actively seek opportunities for learning and development.

Integrity is a fundamental quality of successful people. They are honest and ethical in their dealings. They believe in fairness and justice. They uphold their values and principles, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. Their actions are guided by a strong moral compass, and they earn respect and trust through their integrity.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Successful people have high emotional intelligence. They are aware of their emotions and those of others. They can manage their emotions effectively and use them to guide their actions. They are empathetic and understanding, which helps them build strong relationships and networks.

In conclusion, success is not merely about wealth or fame. It is about fulfilling one’s potential and making a positive impact. The qualities of self-discipline, resilience, passion, curiosity, integrity, and emotional intelligence are key to achieving this success. They are not innate but can be developed and nurtured over time. As we strive for success, we should endeavor to cultivate these qualities within ourselves.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Qualities of a Good Person
• Essay on My Ideal Person
• Essay on How to Help Physically Challenged Persons

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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6 Common Leadership Styles — and How to Decide Which to Use When

• Rebecca Knight

Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances call for different approaches.

Research suggests that the most effective leaders adapt their style to different circumstances — be it a change in setting, a shift in organizational dynamics, or a turn in the business cycle. But what if you feel like you’re not equipped to take on a new and different leadership style — let alone more than one? In this article, the author outlines the six leadership styles Daniel Goleman first introduced in his 2000 HBR article, “Leadership That Gets Results,” and explains when to use each one. The good news is that personality is not destiny. Even if you’re naturally introverted or you tend to be driven by data and analysis rather than emotion, you can still learn how to adapt different leadership styles to organize, motivate, and direct your team.

Much has been written about common leadership styles and how to identify the right style for you, whether it’s transactional or transformational, bureaucratic or laissez-faire. But according to Daniel Goleman, a psychologist best known for his work on emotional intelligence, “Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances may call for different approaches.”

• RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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Making a Positive Impact on Others: The Power of Influence

• Categories: Empathy Leadership

About this sample

Words: 723 |

Published: Sep 16, 2023

Words: 723 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

The ripple effect of positivity, building stronger connections, leading by example, overcoming challenges and adversity, the role of empathy and understanding.

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This paper will discuss past leadership on my personal experiences as a follower and as a leader. A host of questions about my experiences as a leader and follower will be addressed and answered in the body of this [...]

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Guest Essay

What Sentencing Could Look Like if Trump Is Found Guilty

By Norman L. Eisen

Mr. Eisen is the author of “Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial.”

For all the attention to and debate over the unfolding trial of Donald Trump in Manhattan, there has been surprisingly little of it paid to a key element: its possible outcome and, specifically, the prospect that a former and potentially future president could be sentenced to prison time.

The case — brought by Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, against Mr. Trump — represents the first time in our nation’s history that a former president is a defendant in a criminal trial. As such, it has generated lots of debate about the case’s legal strength and integrity, as well as its potential impact on Mr. Trump’s efforts to win back the White House.

A review of thousands of cases in New York that charged the same felony suggests something striking: If Mr. Trump is found guilty, incarceration is an actual possibility. It’s not certain, of course, but it is plausible.

Jury selection has begun, and it’s not too soon to talk about what the possibility of a sentence, including a prison sentence, would look like for Mr. Trump, for the election and for the country — including what would happen if he is re-elected.

The case focuses on alleged interference in the 2016 election, which consisted of a hush-money payment Michael Cohen, the former president’s fixer at the time, made in 2016 to a porn star, Stormy Daniels, who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump. Mr. Bragg is arguing that the cover-up cheated voters of the chance to fully assess Mr. Trump’s candidacy.

This may be the first criminal trial of a former president in American history, but if convicted, Mr. Trump’s fate is likely to be determined by the same core factors that guide the sentencing of every criminal defendant in New York State Court.

Comparable cases. The first factor is the base line against which judges measure all sentences: how other defendants have been treated for similar offenses. My research encompassed almost 10,000 cases of felony falsifying business records that have been prosecuted across the state of New York since 2015. Over a similar period, the Manhattan D.A. has charged over 400 of these cases . In roughly the first year of Mr. Bragg’s tenure, his team alone filed 166 felony counts for falsifying business records against 34 people or companies.

Contrary to claims that there will be no sentence of incarceration for falsifying business records, when a felony conviction involves serious misconduct, defendants can be sentenced to some prison time. My analysis of the most recent data indicates that approximately one in 10 cases in which the most serious charge at arraignment is falsifying business records in the first degree and in which the court ultimately imposes a sentence, results in a term of imprisonment.

To be clear, these cases generally differ from Mr. Trump’s case in one important respect: They typically involve additional charges besides just falsifying records. That clearly complicates what we might expect if Mr. Trump is convicted.

Nevertheless, there are many previous cases involving falsifying business records along with other charges where the conduct was less serious than is alleged against Mr. Trump and prison time was imposed. For instance, Richard Luthmann was accused of attempting to deceive voters — in his case, impersonating New York political figures on social media in an attempt to influence campaigns. He pleaded guilty to three counts of falsifying business records in the first degree (as well as to other charges). He received a sentence of incarceration on the felony falsification counts (although the sentence was not solely attributable to the plea).

A defendant in another case was accused of stealing in excess of $50,000 from her employer and, like in this case, falsifying one or more invoices as part of the scheme. She was indicted on a single grand larceny charge and ultimately pleaded guilty to one felony count of business record falsification for a false invoice of just under $10,000. She received 364 days in prison.

To be sure, for a typical first-time offender charged only with run-of-the-mill business record falsification, a prison sentence would be unlikely. On the other hand, Mr. Trump is being prosecuted for 34 counts of conduct that might have changed the course of American history.

Seriousness of the crime. Mr. Bragg alleges that Mr. Trump concealed critical information from voters (paying hush money to suppress an extramarital relationship) that could have harmed his campaign, particularly if it came to light after the revelation of another scandal — the “Access Hollywood” tape . If proved, that could be seen not just as unfortunate personal judgment but also, as Justice Juan Merchan has described it, an attempt “to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.”

History and character. To date, Mr. Trump has been unrepentant about the events alleged in this case. There is every reason to believe that will not change even if he is convicted, and lack of remorse is a negative at sentencing. Justice Merchan’s evaluation of Mr. Trump’s history and character may also be informed by the other judgments against him, including Justice Arthur Engoron’s ruling that Mr. Trump engaged in repeated and persistent business fraud, a jury finding that he sexually abused and defamed E. Jean Carroll and a related defamation verdict by a second jury.

Justice Merchan may also weigh the fact that Mr. Trump has been repeatedly held in contempt , warned , fined and gagged by state and federal judges. That includes for statements he made that exposed witnesses, individuals in the judicial system and their families to danger. More recently, Mr. Trump made personal attacks on Justice Merchan’s daughter, resulting in an extension of the gag order in the case. He now stands accused of violating it again by commenting on witnesses.

What this all suggests is that a term of imprisonment for Mr. Trump, while far from certain for a former president, is not off the table. If he receives a sentence of incarceration, perhaps the likeliest term is six months, although he could face up to four years, particularly if Mr. Trump chooses to testify, as he said he intends to do , and the judge believes he lied on the stand . Probation is also available, as are more flexible approaches like a sentence of spending every weekend in jail for a year.

We will probably know what the judge will do within 30 to 60 days of the end of the trial, which could run into mid-June. If there is a conviction, that would mean a late summer or early fall sentencing.

Justice Merchan would have to wrestle in the middle of an election year with the potential impact of sentencing a former president and current candidate.

If Mr. Trump is sentenced to a period of incarceration, the reaction of the American public will probably be as polarized as our divided electorate itself. Yet as some polls suggest — with the caveat that we should always be cautious of polls early in the race posing hypothetical questions — many key swing state voters said they would not vote for a felon.

If Mr. Trump is convicted and then loses the presidential election, he will probably be granted bail, pending an appeal, which will take about a year. That means if any appeals are unsuccessful, he will most likely have to serve any sentence starting sometime next year. He will be sequestered with his Secret Service protection; if it is less than a year, probably in Rikers Island. His protective detail will probably be his main company, since Mr. Trump will surely be isolated from other inmates for his safety.

If Mr. Trump wins the presidential election, he can’t pardon himself because it is a state case. He will be likely to order the Justice Department to challenge his sentence, and department opinions have concluded that a sitting president could not be imprisoned, since that would prevent the president from fulfilling the constitutional duties of the office. The courts have never had to address the question, but they could well agree with the Justice Department.

So if Mr. Trump is convicted and sentenced to a period of incarceration, its ultimate significance is probably this: When the American people go to the polls in November, they will be voting on whether Mr. Trump should be held accountable for his original election interference.

What questions do you have about Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial so far?

Please submit them below. Our trial experts will respond to a selection of readers in a future piece.

Norman L. Eisen investigated the 2016 voter deception allegations as counsel for the first impeachment and trial of Donald Trump and is the author of “Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial.”

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