The results come from a study of 248 people who read a series of vignettes that described either optimistic or pessimistic people. Most people found the optimists more socially attractive. However, people who were themselves optimists liked the other optimist even more.

Is it better to be realistic or optimistic?

While realistic optimists believe in their power to make good things happen, even through rough conditions. Realistic optimists believe in their power to make good things happen, even through rough conditions. This kind of mindset, Grant explains, is much more beneficial than being an unrealistic optimist.

Is optimism really good?

Optimism is generally a positive characteristic that confers a number of physical and mental health benefits.

Is it wrong to be optimistic?

Being too optimistic can lead to impracticality and overconfidence. If you dont think about what could go wrong, you wont be able to prevent it from happening. Mental strength stems from a good balance of realism and optimism.

Is optimism more than positive thinking?

What are some other components of optimism? Optimists have the idea that they can do something about their situation, whether its at work or in their relationship. Their sense of control could be an illusion, but its still empowering and motivating.

What is excessive optimism?

: an excessive or unrealistic degree of optimism … folks tend toward overoptimism about their prospects and their skills.—

How does optimism help you in life?

It turns out that an optimistic attitude helps us be happier, more successful, and healthier. An optimistic outlook makes people more resistant to stress. Optimism may even help people live longer. The best thing about optimism is you can learn it, even if your outlook tends to be more pessimistic.

Is being pessimistic a bad thing?

Pessimism is not a trait most people aspire to. Its often associated with negativity, a half-full attitude, depression, and other mood disorders. However, a healthy dose of negative thinking isnt necessarily all bad. In fact, sometimes a little pessimism might actually be a good thing.

Is optimism genetic?

Recent studies have shown that optimism is 50% inherited from our genes, 40% determined by ourselves and the way in which we decide to live our lives and 10% by others (i.e. the environment in which we develop). So, the good news is that we can act individually on our level of optimism by working on that 40%.

How optimism can change your life?

Lower stress levels: Optimists not only experience less stress, but they also cope with it better. They tend to be more resilient and recover from setbacks more quickly Rather than becoming overwhelmed and discouraged by negative events, they focus on making positive changes that will improve their lives.

How does optimism make you happy?

Optimism can enhance your happiness By having faith and hoping for good things, one can deal with lifes difficulties in better ways. An optimistic outlook can fill life with goodness and it helps in making the journey of life more rewarding.

Why over optimism is bad?

Over-optimism can cloud our minds and lead us to miscalculate risks and make unsound decisions. It cause us to falsely assume that positive things are more likely to happen to us than others, and that we are more invulnerable to negative events than the rest.

Can optimism be taught?

Learned optimism involves developing the ability to view the world from a positive point of view. It is often contrasted with learned helplessness. By challenging negative self-talk and replacing pessimistic thoughts with more positive ones, people can learn how to become more optimistic.

Does optimism tend to run in families?

Each persons optimism fluctuates over time and many other factors come into play throughout a childs life. Parents who demonstrate optimism increase the odds that their offspring will be optimistic. Children who see their parents rewarded for hard work tend to be more optimistic.