Optimism vs Pessimism ... It Is Just a Way of Thinking!

Everyone who embraces an optimistic mindset lives a charmed life, right? Maybe and maybe not. The truth is that optimism can be a mixed blessing. Certainly, optimism, trust, and self-confidence are components of good mental health. Are they the whole picture? Probably not. To understand how it helps, we must look closely at a complete optimism definition and how it's used.  How often do you open your social media page to find a glowing optimism meme? For most people, it's a daily occurrence. One would think that people go around being happy in every circumstance.  

"Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely." ~Roy T. Bennet, The Light in the Heart 

 "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." ~Helen Keller 

 An optimistic attitude isn't always that easy to come by or completely benign, though, as you can see by some of what some would say are the more realistic quotations on optimism. 

 What Is Optimism?

So, what does optimism mean? We speak of optimism as a virtue, but we may also use it in ironic phrases like "cruel optimism" and "blind optimism." How can cruelty and blindness be virtues? Before you consider the complexities of what optimism means, let's define optimism in the most literal way. 

 A simple and concise definition of optimism would go something like this: Optimism is a tendency of having hope and confidence about future outcomes.In philosophy, optimism is a doctrine stating that this is the best of all possible worlds. 

Optimism Vs. Pessimism

Optimism and pessimism are two sides of the same coin. They're both attitudes or mindsets, but one is positive, while the other is negative.A question everyone needs to answer for themselves is: Which is the better way for me to have the life I want? Optimism or Pessimism? 

 Some people find security in pessimism. They believe that pessimism is their safest bet. If the negative outcome they expect happens, they aren't surprised. They were right, so they feel justified in their choice of attitudes. If the bad outcome they predicted doesn't happen, they're pleasantly surprised. Either way, they feel like a winner.Other people choose optimism because they believe it will make things happen the way they want them too. Sometimes, they do. When they get a negative outcome they didn't expect, they can sink into pessimism and even depression. However, those who maintain their optimistic attitude endure those same defeats and find a way to learn from them. With the information they've gained, they may go back and try again or apply their knowledge to a new endeavor. 

 Optimism vs Pessimism - it's not a fair fight! Research shows that people with an optimistic life-view tend to outperform pessimists in all respects. Even if you are more an optimist, than a pessimist, keep reading - as this article will help you (and helps you to assist others) use ever more of your potential, by helping you to understand:

• The impact of your past experiences, on your current performance, and how to stop your past being your weak point
• How others have trained you to view the world, and why that training could be your undoing

 

What The Studies Have To Say About Optimism vs Pessimism

Over the last 30-40 years, psychologists have studied the impact of our thoughts, expectations and beliefs on our behavior. They have found, that the way you reason with yourself about the things that happen to you, has a huge impact on your success - at work, home, school, in your community etc.Pessimists are up to eight times more likely to become depressed when bad events occur; they do worse at school, sports, and most jobs than their talents would suggest; they have worse physical health and shorter lives; they have rockier relationships. Ouch ~ Seems like a bunch of good reasons to start to get a bit of the Pollyanna happening in your life!Martin Seligman, (Fox Leadership Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania), is known as the father of the positive psychology movement, and has done a lot of research on optimism vs pessimism. It is the groundbreaking research that he, and his team, have done in this arena, that is very much shaping our world - and is having a large impact on many high performance organizations.  

 There are times when having a pessimistic view is beneficial. For example, if you are driving in thick fog it might be good to be focused on the fact that a car could be coming in the opposite direction!Many studies have found that pessimists were more accurate in their assessments than optimists. For example, in one test researchers had people pressing a switch to turn a light on and off. Even when they had no control over whether the light came on or off, optimists still rated themselves as having a high degree of control over the light. Whereas, pessimists accurately predicted how much, or little control, they did indeed had over the light coming on or off.So, in business it can be good to have some pessimists attached to your team, as they will often have a much stronger handle on reality than the optimists. Of course, these two groups are likely to drive each other nuts! So you, the team leader, will need to help the two groups value the perspective each bring, and make sure the balance is right, between hopeless and done deal!
 

 
Dear Reader,Now that you have made it here I have a very simple question for you: how has this post improved your understanding about optimism and pessimism? Take your time! The reason I am asking you this is because you are my partner on this journey to rid misconception about this psychological controversial issue in human mind , and whatever your answer to my question is I know it will be the information you will pass on to your friends, neighbors and family members. 😊

Thank you so much for reading!!!.