A positive mental attitude is a key in slowing the aging process. A critical component of a positive mental attitude is hope. Do you see yourself as a hopeful person? If not, chances are you are not a goal setter. Having a purpose (goal) is critical to the development of a hopeful personality.

A recent psychology study proved that setting an achievable goal, developing the strategies for working toward it, and the belief in your ability to achieve it does something amazing. These simple acts will make you more hopeful.

This study used "hope therapy," the results after the eight sessions, was the participants came out much happier and hopeful. This “hope therapy” focused on building goal-seeking skills. Unlike so many therapy programs that tend to focus on negative issues this program was all about the positive. The following were their focus:

• Goals
• Strengths of the individual
• Skills possessed by the individual

At the end of the study not only were they more happy and hopeful, but they also became more positive thinkers, experienced less anxiety (stress), and had better self-esteem.

What does this tell us and how does it help you right now? Having a goal (purpose) is critical if we are to become a more hopeful person. It is important to be hopeful in order that we may possess a more positive mental attitude. These ingredients are the key to our being able to reach our ultimate goal of happiness. It is in this state of happiness that we have the ultimate weapon against aging. It is in this mental state that our bodies shut out stress which has been shown by many to be a significant contributor to accelerated aging.