Optimal possibilities
An optimist believes that we live in the best of all possible worlds, while a pessimist fears that this is true.
I remember putting a lot of money into a business that seemed like a sure thing. It was a collaborative project - a dream, but one that turned out to be unrealistic. Over time, I realized that something might not be working, but I was so blinded that I still stubbornly believed in success.
Now, looking back, I think I was naive because I trusted someone who did not deserve that trust. This person was supposed to be an expert and turned out to be a fraud. Later, I was also disappointed a few times, as partners often backed out at the last minute and projects did not turn out the way I expected.
The important thing is that I was able to deal with the failures. Despite the various setbacks in my life, I always tried to believe that things would work out. I learned from my losses and I learned from my mistakes. I also tried to surround myself with people who supported me, which further strengthened my belief in a better tomorrow.
I think I have always been an optimist, looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. Even when things didn't go my way, I looked for the positives so I wouldn't lose hope and the strength to move forward. In the end, it was this attitude that helped me bounce back from the bottom and get through the hard times. On the other hand, I also happened to be too optimistic, which is nothing but naivety. The story of the failed business shows how naivety resulting from extreme optimism can lead to failure. It is worth striving for realistic optimism, which is the golden mean between optimist and pessimist. This allows you to evaluate situations more objectively, taking into account both potential benefits and risks.
Optimists focus on the positive aspects of life and believe in the success of their decisions. They view mistakes as lessons, not failures. Pessimists, on the other hand, are convinced that bad events will almost always happen, and that they will happen because of them. At first glance, it seems worthwhile to strive to be optimistic, but in moderation and with rationality.
Optimism also has health benefits. Studies show that an optimistic attitude is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and heart attack and an increased life expectancy. It is important to invest in fostering optimistic beliefs from an early age to increase the chances of longevity and success in various areas of life.
There is ample evidence that optimists have better health and live longer. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine analyzed data from nearly 70,000 women and 1,500 men and compared their levels of optimism with life expectancy. The results showed that an optimistic attitude was associated with a greater chance of living to late old age. This association remained even after factors such as demographics and various health and lifestyle parameters were taken into account. On average, optimistic people lived 11 to 15 percent longer.
The role of environment and upbringing in shaping optimism is undeniable. It is important to understand that optimism is not a trait that appears for no reason. It usually develops in a person under the influence of upbringing, as well as contact with parents and the immediate environment, such as peers and teachers. Optimism is the result of an ingrained belief that there is a clear connection between confidence in oneself and one's abilities and achieving success in one's professional and personal life. It is worth noting that a child's optimistic attitude is usually the result of imitating the attitude of parents, whose behavior and values often have a long-lasting impact on the child's personality formation.
With this in mind, it is worth investing in the formation of optimistic beliefs from an early age to increase the chances of achieving longevity and success in various areas of life. It is worth promoting optimistic thinking and encouraging children to set realistic but ambitious goals. Believing that there will be more successes than failures in life can be invaluable in achieving dreams and goals, contributing to better well-being, health and longevity.
Unfortunately, children do not always have the opportunity to grow up in an atmosphere of optimism. Pessimism often develops in childhood under the influence of pessimistic attitudes of parents and others. Therefore, it is important to help children find a balance between optimism and a realistic approach to life.
As I mentioned earlier, extreme optimism can sometimes be naive, so it is also useful to learn from the approach of pessimists. Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, once said, "The most important thing is to learn to be optimistic, and to know how to be both optimistic and pessimistic where we need to be." Such realistic optimism allows us to evaluate situations more objectively, taking into account both potential benefits and risks. In life, it is useful to be guided by reason, to believe in one's own abilities, to humbly accept failures, and to rejoice in even small successes. This balance between optimism and pessimism, or realistic optimism, can lead to greater satisfaction with life and better coping with difficult situations.
Developing realistic optimism can be achieved through various strategies and exercises. One of the most effective ways is to practice gratitude by reflecting on and acknowledging the positive aspects of your life (you can get a five-minute journal). This can help to shift your focus from negative to positive experiences, fostering a more optimistic outlook. Additionally, setting achievable goals and celebrating small victories can contribute to building optimism. Engaging in positive self-talk, as well as seeking support from friends and family, can also be beneficial in maintaining a balanced, optimistic perspective.
Comments