Title: Optimal Thinking: How to Be Your Best Self
Author: Rosalene Glickman, Ph.D.
Publication Year: 1991
Category: Decision Making

Rosalene Glickman’s “Optimal Thinking: How to Be Your Best Self” is a comprehensive guide designed to help individuals achieve their highest potential. It introduces a paradigm shift from positive thinking to Optimal Thinking, which is defined as the language of our best self. The book provides tools and techniques for maximizing personal effectiveness in various aspects of life including leadership, relationships, and decision-making.

Major Point: Optimal Thinking is the practice of making the best possible decisions, leveraging opportunities to achieve the highest level of success and satisfaction.

Concrete Example:
– Glickman differentiates between positive thinking (aiming to see the bright side of every situation) and Optimal Thinking (focusing on the best possible outcome). She describes a scenario where an optimist might say, “I hope I make a good impression at the interview,” whereas an Optimal Thinker would say, “What can I do to make the best possible impression at the interview?”

Specific Action:
– Next time you face a challenge, instead of hoping for a good result, ask yourself, “What can I do to ensure the best possible outcome?” and create a plan based on this optimal approach.

Major Point: Making consistently optimal decisions involves evaluating choices through the lens of maximum benefit and minimum risk.

Concrete Example:
– In a business setting, Glickman highlights a CEO who must decide whether to launch a new product. The CEO uses Optimal Thinking by evaluating potential risks and rewards comprehensively, asking, “What is the best possible outcome of launching this product, and what are the steps to achieve it?”

Specific Action:
– When faced with a decision, list all possible options along with their potential risks and benefits. Use this analysis to choose the option that promises the highest net benefit.

Major Point: Optimal Thinking helps manage emotions by focusing on the most constructive responses to life’s challenges.

Concrete Example:
– Glickman provides the example of handling criticism. Instead of reacting defensively, an Optimal Thinker might ask, “What is the most constructive way to respond to this feedback?”

Specific Action:
– Practice reframing emotional reactions by asking, “What is the best way to respond to this situation?” This can transform your emotional management, making your responses more effective and less reactionary.

Major Point: Relationships thrive when individuals strive to be their best selves, making choices that foster mutual respect and understanding.

Concrete Example:
– Glickman describes a couple using Optimal Thinking in conflict resolution. Instead of focusing on who is right, they ask, “What is the best resolution for both of us?”

Specific Action:
– During conflicts, ask yourself, “What is the best possible outcome for our relationship?” Use this mindset to guide your words and actions toward harmony and mutual benefit.

Major Point: Optimal self-esteem involves recognizing and nurturing your highest potential without falling into the traps of overconfidence or self-deprecation.

Concrete Example:
– To boost self-esteem, Glickman suggests writing down your strengths and achievements, then asking, “How can I make the best use of these strengths?”

Specific Action:
– Maintain a journal of your strengths and accomplishments. Regularly review and update it, asking how you can optimize these qualities in your daily life.

Major Point: Leaders can achieve the best results by embodying Optimal Thinking, which includes setting clear, high standards and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

Concrete Example:
– Glickman cites a manager who used Optimal Thinking to handle a team performance issue. Instead of penalizing the team, he asked, “What is the best way to motivate my team to improve performance?”

Specific Action:
– If you’re in a leadership position, set clear and achievable high standards, and regularly communicate these expectations while supporting your team to reach their best.

Major Point: Optimal communication is about being clear, honest, and constructive, ensuring that all interactions are aimed at positive, productive outcomes.

Concrete Example:
– A supervisor needing to provide negative feedback does so constructively. Instead of saying, “You did this wrong,” they use Optimal Thinking to frame it as, “How can we improve this aspect of your performance?”

Specific Action:
– Practice Optimal Communication by asking, “How can I convey this message in the most constructive way?” before having difficult conversations.

Major Point: Effective time management focuses on prioritizing tasks that offer the greatest positive impact.

Concrete Example:
– Glickman provides a time management matrix that helps identify and focus on tasks that are both urgent and important, while minimizing time spent on less productive activities.

Specific Action:
– Create a priority list each day, asking for each task, “Is this the best use of my time right now?” and arrange your tasks accordingly.

Major Point: Optimal health involves making decisions that ensure the best physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Concrete Example:
– Glickman discusses a scenario where an individual chooses the best diet and exercise plan tailored to their unique needs, rather than following popular trends.

Specific Action:
– Evaluate your health choices by asking, “What is the best nutrition and exercise plan for my specific needs?” and implement this optimal plan into your daily routine.

Major Point: Achieving the best career involves aligning your work with your highest skills and values.

Concrete Example:
– Glickman presents the story of an executive who used Optimal Thinking to shift her career from a high-paying but unfulfilling job to a role that aligned better with her passions and skills.

Specific Action:
– Reflect on your career, asking, “What is the best career path for my skills and values?” and take steps toward aligning your work with this optimal vision.

Major Point: Optimal Thinking is a deliberate practice of seeking the best in every situation, which can transform one’s personal and professional life.

Concrete Example:
– The book concludes with various testimonials of individuals who have applied Optimal Thinking in their lives, resulting in improved decision-making, better relationships, and a higher sense of fulfillment.

Specific Action:
– Incorporate Optimal Thinking into your daily life by continually asking, “What is the best thing I can do right now?” and acting on these insights.

By embracing Optimal Thinking, one can consistently achieve their highest potential, transforming every facet of their life for the better. Glickman’s book is not only a theoretical framework but also a practical guide filled with actionable advice and real-life examples.