Optimism is Great, But What is Really Important is Intelligent Optimism
Researchers have recently discovered that part of the optimism we
experience is actually wired-in, in other words, it is genetic. This is
not particularly surprising, as most of our personal characteristics
are genetic. Furthermore, it's easy to see that some people are a lot
more optimistic and cheerful than others. It seems to come natural to
them, and this is no doubt because they have a lot more built-in
(genetic) optimism. But this can be a problem for some. Because of this
wired-in component, researchers have noted that many people have
unrealistically high expectations. They expect to be more successful
than they turn out to be, they expect to live longer than they do, and
they expect to be happier than they are -- without putting much effort
into it.
Does this mean we should be cautious about being too optimistic? Definitely not, but we still have to be careful. We all know that optimism is a very desirable trait, and that optimistic people benefit in many ways. They have better health, live longer, and make more money than pessimistic people. So, regardless of how optimism is obtained, it is still important to cultivate and develop it. And even if you don't have a lot of wired-in optimism, you can still learn to be a very optimistic person. All it takes is the right approach and practice.
What is optimism?
I'm sure that everyone has a fairly good idea what optimism is. The dictionary definition is "the expectation that the best possible outcome will come to pass." It's obviously related to hope, but it's not exactly the same. In the case of hope there is an element of faith; you are wishing for something and have "faith" it will come to pass. Optimism is, of course, also related to the expectation of a positive outcome, but we are sure something will come to pass because we have confidence in ourselves. We know we have what it takes to achieve it.
Let's turn now to what optimism shouldn't be. First of all, it shouldn't be unrealistic. Wishing for something you definitely know you will never get doesn't make a lot of sense. (Of course, it's always important to remember that amazing things can be achieved with enough persistence and determination.)
Sensible optimism also isn't the view that "everything is wonderful" and everything will always come up rosy. This is usually called total optimism, and it is something you have to be careful about. Don't be so optimistic that you're sure nothing bad will ever happen. If you do, you may be in for a shock when it does happen. Life is full of problems, and you shouldn't ignore them. You should face them head-on, and overcome or adjust to them, and always remind yourself that all problems have solutions; it's just a matter of finding them.
Intelligent Optimism
So, total, unrealistic, optimism isn't what you want to cultivate and develop. What you really want is "intelligent optimism," and as we will see, the key to it is knowledge. For intelligent optimism a realistic attitude is needed. And this means you should begin by identifying things that you can't change, and concentrate on what you can change, or improve. Furthermore, you should be confident that even if something undesirable happens, you can accept it and learn to get past it.
Intelligent optimism is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned. And like other skills, it requires a process of "trial and error." Try something - give it your all - but if it doesn't work, try something different.
Finally, it is important not only to use common sense and intelligence, but to also use your imagination. Imagine the outcome of what you are wishing for - think of it as positive. Imagine the rewards you will receive, and how you will feel. Play this over and over in your mind. Focus on it. This will fuel your optimism.
Characteristics of People With Intelligent Optimism
Does this mean we should be cautious about being too optimistic? Definitely not, but we still have to be careful. We all know that optimism is a very desirable trait, and that optimistic people benefit in many ways. They have better health, live longer, and make more money than pessimistic people. So, regardless of how optimism is obtained, it is still important to cultivate and develop it. And even if you don't have a lot of wired-in optimism, you can still learn to be a very optimistic person. All it takes is the right approach and practice.
What is optimism?
I'm sure that everyone has a fairly good idea what optimism is. The dictionary definition is "the expectation that the best possible outcome will come to pass." It's obviously related to hope, but it's not exactly the same. In the case of hope there is an element of faith; you are wishing for something and have "faith" it will come to pass. Optimism is, of course, also related to the expectation of a positive outcome, but we are sure something will come to pass because we have confidence in ourselves. We know we have what it takes to achieve it.
Let's turn now to what optimism shouldn't be. First of all, it shouldn't be unrealistic. Wishing for something you definitely know you will never get doesn't make a lot of sense. (Of course, it's always important to remember that amazing things can be achieved with enough persistence and determination.)
Sensible optimism also isn't the view that "everything is wonderful" and everything will always come up rosy. This is usually called total optimism, and it is something you have to be careful about. Don't be so optimistic that you're sure nothing bad will ever happen. If you do, you may be in for a shock when it does happen. Life is full of problems, and you shouldn't ignore them. You should face them head-on, and overcome or adjust to them, and always remind yourself that all problems have solutions; it's just a matter of finding them.
Intelligent Optimism
So, total, unrealistic, optimism isn't what you want to cultivate and develop. What you really want is "intelligent optimism," and as we will see, the key to it is knowledge. For intelligent optimism a realistic attitude is needed. And this means you should begin by identifying things that you can't change, and concentrate on what you can change, or improve. Furthermore, you should be confident that even if something undesirable happens, you can accept it and learn to get past it.
Intelligent optimism is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned. And like other skills, it requires a process of "trial and error." Try something - give it your all - but if it doesn't work, try something different.
Finally, it is important not only to use common sense and intelligence, but to also use your imagination. Imagine the outcome of what you are wishing for - think of it as positive. Imagine the rewards you will receive, and how you will feel. Play this over and over in your mind. Focus on it. This will fuel your optimism.
Characteristics of People With Intelligent Optimism
- They have a realistic attitude towards life. They know that bad things can happen, but they are confident they can get past them.
- They are excited about their future, but not unrealistic.
- They get up in the morning with the feeling that the day ahead is going to be one of the best they have ever experienced.
- They accept things - know that it may be impossible to change certain things, but they don't give up easily.
- They use their knowledge to foster optimism.
- They see adversity as temporary, and as something that can be overcome.
- They believe in what they are doing.
- They believe that their personal best is yet to come.
- They appear happy and cheerful most of the time.
- They appreciate what they have.
- Remember what you really want is intelligent optimism - not unrealistic optimism. But never underestimate your abilities and strengths.
- Concentrate on your strengths, not your weaknesses.
- Don't worry about what you can't change. Concentrate on things you can change.
- Learn from your setbacks and mistakes.
- Read inspirational books and articles. They help get you in the right frame of mind.
- Expect to succeed.
Barry Parker, Ph. D., is a professor emeritus (physics) at Idaho
State University. He is the author of 25 books on science, health,
writing, and music. His website is BarryParkerbooks.com and he has
several blogs, one of them is at http://www.Barrysbuzz123.blogspot.com.
He has done research in biophysics (mutations in the DNA molecule) and
in relativity theory (Einstein's field theory), has a strong interest in
health and fitness, self-improvement, and in music (particularly
piano). He taught a writing class at ISU for several years. Two of his
recent books are "Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, Hope for
Tomorrow," and "Feel Great Feel Alive."
By Barry R Parker
Article Source:
https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Barry_R_Parker/215203
By Barry R Parker
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