Pragmatic optimism combines positive expectations with realistic action, creating a powerful mindset that transforms how we approach challenges and improves health, relationships, and goal achievement.

• Optimism and pessimism exist on a spectrum that deals with our expectations and hope for outcomes
• The realistic-idealistic spectrum is separate and deals with our assessment of reality
• Pragmatic optimism merges optimism with realism and practical action
• Martin Seligman's research shows optimism is a learnable skill based on our "explanatory style"
• Pessimists view setbacks as permanent, pervasive, and personal
• Optimists see challenges as temporary, specific, and nuanced with both internal/external factors
• Studies show optimists have better cardiovascular health and live 11-15% longer
• Optimists experience less stress, stronger immune systems, and better mental health
• Benefits include greater persistence, proactive goal-setting, opportunity focus, enhanced happiness
• Cultivate pragmatic optimism by challenging assumptions, focusing on what you can control
• Practice the ABCDE method: Adversity, Beliefs, Consequences, Dispute, Energy
• Pessimism still has appropriate uses for acknowledging tragedy or identifying potential problems

Subscribe and share this podcast with anyone looking to improve their life. You are enough and deserve to fill your inner cup with happiness, true confidence, and resilience.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Have you ever found yourself saying yes while every fiber of your being screamed no? That small act of self-betrayal often leads to a quiet but persistent resentment that can ultimately poison our most important relationships.

Boundaries are frequently misunderstood as selfish acts or walls we build to keep others out. The truth is quite the opposite – they're the guidelines that define where you end and others begin. They're not punishments or arbitrary rules imposed on others, but standards you uphold for yourself out of deep self-respect. When we consistently allow our boundaries to be crossed, we send a powerful message to ourselves and the world that our needs don't matter, gradually eroding our self-worth and leading to burnout.

Why is setting boundaries so difficult? Many of us were conditioned from childhood to be people-pleasers, taught that keeping peace at our own expense was the right thing to do. We fear disappointing others, being seen as selfish, or triggering conflict. Yet as Dr. Brené Brown brilliantly puts it, "Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others."

The most powerful tool for communicating boundaries effectively is the "I statement" – a three-part formula that shifts focus from accusation to personal experience: "I feel [emotion] when [specific behavior] because [impact on you]." This approach prevents defensiveness and creates space for mutual understanding. For example, instead of "You're so inconsiderate calling this late," try "I feel flustered when I get calls about non-urgent matters after 10pm because that's my time to decompress."

Research confirms that people with healthy boundaries experience significantly less burnout and greater wellbeing. Start small this week by identifying one low-stakes boundary to practice. Notice the discomfort – that's the feeling of choosing yourself – and the sense of peace that follows. Your time and energy are precious resources worth protecting through clear, compassionate boundaries.

Subscribe now and share this podcast with anyone looking to build a life that feels more honest, authentic and true to themselves – one courageous choice at a time.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Ever wondered how to break through emotional barriers when you weren't raised to express feelings? Or how to push past gym insecurity when you're just starting your fitness journey? This episode tackles these common but challenging scenarios with practical, actionable advice that goes beyond surface-level solutions.

David Sage explores the profound connection between emotional awareness and confidence, revealing how vulnerability—when approached with social intelligence—actually demonstrates strength rather than weakness. Through a compelling analogy about body language, he illustrates how confident people naturally expose vulnerable areas while insecure people remain guarded and protected. This perspective shift alone could transform how you approach emotional openness in your relationships.

For those struggling with gym anxiety, David breaks down the "physics of action"—a framework for understanding how to build momentum in any challenging endeavor. His insight that "emotion causes motion, but motion also creates emotion" provides a powerful strategy for overcoming inertia and building lasting habits. Rather than waiting to feel motivated, taking even minimal action can generate the positive emotions needed to continue.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is how these principles apply universally across different life challenges. Whether you're working on emotional intelligence, fitness goals, career advancement, or relationship building, the same fundamental approaches to awareness, action, and momentum apply. The episode offers both immediate tactical solutions (like wearing baggy clothes to the gym if that reduces friction) and long-term strategic approaches for changing self-limiting beliefs.

Ready to transform how you approach personal challenges? Listen now, and discover why self-awareness, consistent small actions, and socially intelligent vulnerability might be the keys to unlocking your next level of growth. Then share your experience with us—we'd love to hear which strategies worked best for your unique situation!

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.