- 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?
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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.