- Kathryn Hoban
- Ann Arbor, MI
- United States
Legislative Aide - Michigan Senate, National Society of Collegiate Scholars
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Optimism and Pessimism: The Impact of Outlook on Outcome
Do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist?
What do you think are the drawbacks and benefits of each?
To what extent do you think your outlook impacts your actions?
Tali Sharot talks about the blame that optimists and pessimists place on either themselves or other factors. To what extent do you blame internal or external factors regarding your success or failure?
Debra Smith 200+
Lee Edwiin
The "drawbacks" are non-existent, its "benefits" of each are synergised and amplified if you are both at the same time.
This is much evident in Edward de Bono's Six Hats, he states that whatever decision we make, it is ultimately an emotional one. And in order to sooth and direct the emotions successfully and adequately, one must be aware of the facts, the dangers (pessimism) & the possibilities (optimism).
My general outlook would be "Happy Go Lucky", "nonchalance" and "readiness/preparedness".
I'd show nonchalance towards one's anger, sadness, disappointment or the likes.
I'd go about doing whatever I can so that when (s)he comes round,
I'd be there to ask what needs to be done or any help needed to move forward, together.
I connect with people this way, one person at a time, it keeps me happy all the time.
Waking up every morning, staring into the sky smiling, and to everyone I meet.
Sometimes, when I think that this is too good to be true, I label myself pessimistic.
So, am I an optimist or a pessimist? I'm a pessimistic optimist.
Lee Edwiin
How about taking whatever happens as it is and move forward?
Like how Tali Sharot described, it's about fine-tuning the estimation of expectations to a realistic level.
Kathryn Hoban
I may have been wrong to use "blame", as it has a rather more accusatory tone than I wanted to convey. I based this question on two beliefs; first, that all outputs are the product of both internal and external inputs, and second, that all individuals strive for optimization. For instance, if you recieved a 12% on a test you had been studying for since the start of the semester, chances are there was an external problem. You knew the material, but maybe you marked down the wrong form on the Scantron and were graded for another test altogether. I don't believe that anyone would just accept that score and move forward. More likely, they would ask to have the test re-scored with the correct form, as an external factor negatively impacted their internal effort. While most situations do not have a "re-score" option through which an individual may immediately better their situation, recognizing past problems, whether in personal choice or situation, is an important part of learning from experience and avoiding the failures in the future.
Therefore, I believe that rational individuals take themselves and their surroundings into account while trying to optimize their own standing, which is the basis of the question.
Lee Edwiin
It's not an easy juggle however, once one gets the hang of it, it's pretty easy.
As mentioned above, it's about fine-tuning these factors, internal, external or in-between.
Porcupines hug for warmth, but they can't hug to closely, they would hurt themselves, or if they don't hug enough, they are unable to create enough warmth.
Another example would be judging. Judge the behavior, not the person.
Judge their techniques, executions, and not for how they are feeling at that moment.
Back to expectations, one must know what part truly affects the outcome, like not attributing the day's non-success to waking up on the wrong side of the bed. If that's so, one must learn to be happy the moment they get out of bed.
Whether one is Proactive & Reactive can almost be attributed by internal & external factors respectively.
Being proactive or reactive could still lead to failures, however there's one fundamental difference.
A reactive behavior would most probably lead to making the very same mistakes/failures over and over again. Whereas, a proactive behavior would achieve new mistakes/failures different from the previous, bringing him/her closer and closer to a success, or a string of successes.
Gurinder Ahluwalia 10+
Kathryn Hoban
Gurinder Ahluwalia 10+
Ramesh S
But the fact is no. WHen you advise to someone, u will be optimistic. But when you are the hearing end, you will defnly feel pessimistic.
Kathryn Hoban
Frank Rothstein
The optimist sees the glass half full. The pessimist sees it have half empty. The opportunist drinks all there is and is never thirsty.
Sometimes people think too much. What if I simply have all there is but carry a bigger glass just in case I find a little more. I am not saying we should settle for anything. As I tell my firends "Just enough sucks." However I do appreciate what I have and am prepared to make do with what is available.
As for your question...Better to be a realist. You can go into a situaation hopeful and looking forward to great success but still be aware enough to know that failure is a distinct possibilty
.As for blame, the old saying applies....Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. One thing is for sure, we have to be prepared to take advantage of our opportunities when they present themselves. We cannot control certain things but if we are prepared to deal with the problems as they arise we should, more often than not, be fine.
Put a little money aside.
Carry an extra pen.
Be careful of who you call friend.
Have some extra supplies.
Use your people wisely.
Etc.
And you will rarely guess on the outcome...because that is what optimism and pessimism is...guessing.
Kathryn Hoban
Scott Armstrong 50+
The upside of optimism = ignorance is bliss. The downside of optimism = ignorance is no defence.
The upside of pessimism = you won't be disappointed (too often). The downside of pessimism = early heart attack.
If I can, I'll blame external factors. If I'm honest, I blame myself.
Kathryn Hoban
Feyisayo Anjorin 50+
But such is life and we have to live it with courage.
Optimism builds faith instead of fear. We should build on our strength in our minds.That is the power of words. Words that drives us and fire us up to victory.
Kathryn Hoban
Margeigh Novotny 100+
Pessimism (when it is foresight and not just naysaying) has the benefit of avoiding difficult situations rather than overcoming them as the determined optimist must, its a path of least resistance model. Pessimists have the benefit of never being able to be proved wrong, but they have the drawback of not being able to inspire or motivate others through their belief. Its hard to lead or innovate from a pessimistic point of view.
Kathryn Hoban