Realistic Optimism
"Realistic optimism allows us to experience the best until we have to deal with the worst. Which often, never comes." - Bill Crawford
Being optimistic allows us to keep our eyes open for the good things in life. It doesn't mean that we think things will come quickly, easily, or effortlessly or that success will happen to us just because we believe it will. But there is a difference between unrealistic optimism and realistic optimism.
Unrealistic optimism may falsely cause us to think we have total control over a circumstance, situation, or outcome, setting us up for failure and disappointment. The problem with this approach is that we dictate how we want something to turn out without regard to what could happen. Then if something doesn't turn out the way we want, we get upset.
Unrealistic optimism believes good will happen automatically without effort or taking any action. We just believe things should happen that way. If we think things will come easy for us, we are rarely ready and prepared for them when they don't.
Realistic optimism focuses on the positive aspect of things. But, the reality is that it is not all positive all the time. It remains positive despite what is going on and maintains the hope for the best. We become more flexible in our approach. Knowing that if setbacks happen, we are better prepared for them and better positioned to deal with them. It is okay to want or expect things to turn out a certain way. But it is also imperative to understand that things don't always turn out the way we expect.
I remember feeling disappointed because I didn't get a job that I had interviewed for that I felt I was a perfect fit for. I knew that I was more than capable, so I felt slighted somehow. I decided to let it go and believe that there was a reason I didn't get the job. And much to my surprise, to find that a few months later, a job that was an even better fit for me would become available, and I would get that job.
Realistic optimism believes that a positive attitude and outlook on things puts you better positioned to make good things happen. It is the difference between letting things happen and making things happen. Suppose I had continued to feel bad about not getting that first job promotion. In that case, I might not have continued to put myself in the position to get the second job promotion.
Realistic optimism allows you to expect the best from people and life. Healthy optimism will enable you to believe that things will improve, creating more happiness and enjoyment today. And who doesn't want or need more of that in their daily lives?
Realistic optimism is a balancing act and a fine line between unrealistic expectations. An optimistic outlook is critical to focus on the positive to stay motivated in the face of obstacles and setbacks. But be a realistic optimist and set your expectations for yourself and others accordingly. Understand that things won't always be easy, and it will require work, but everything will work out just fine.
Make today great!
Curtis
"I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter." - Walt Disney