Step 7: Practicing Compassion

Welcome to Step 7 of 10, where we learn to be kind to everyone, including our enemies.

As the Chronic Optimist, you are now ready to take your newfound positivity to the next level by mastering the art of compassion.

• Practice empathy by putting yourself in others' shoes, but not too many others, we don't want to get too comfortable.
• Engage in activities that promote understanding, like listening to podcasts about people who are slightly less intelligent than you.
• Smile at people who are having a bad day, even if they're having a worse day than you.

For more advanced compassion exercises, visit our Step 8 page, where we dive into the world of "Compassion for the Unlovable" – a true test of even the most seasoned Chronic Optimist.

Step 9: Compassion in Action takes you to the next level, where you learn to be kind to people who are actually trying to be kind to you.

Next Level Compassion is for those who have mastered Steps 1-9 and are ready to move on to more esoteric forms of kindness, like being understanding of your neighbor's lawn gnomes.