Realistic Optimism - 8 Attributes of Good Decision Makers

In episode 3 of season 5, we discuss the attribute of realistic optimism and how it helps us be better decision-makers.

SUMMARY

• Realistic optimism accepts the reality - both good and bad - of every situation, but applies a positive attitude to make the best of the situation and pursue our goals with energy
• Pessimism isn't the same as realism. Pessimism focuses on unlikely negative outcomes and ignores the statistical likelihood that something bad will happen. Being sceptical means not accepting things on face value - it is a questioning, curious mindset that serves us better than pessimism
• We can build realistic optimism by applying the ABC framework to analyse how we respond to adversity, adjusting our beliefs to support a more constructive decision that produces better consequences that help us achieve our goals

RESOURCES

Curious to learn more about realistic optimism? Here's the details of some interesting articles:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/01/07/how-to-incorporate-realistic-optimism-into-your-life/?sh=24d6696876f0 

Carver, Charles S., Michael F. Scheier, and Suzanne C. Segerstrom. “Optimism.” Clinical Psychology Review 30, no. 7 (2010): 879–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.006.

Jefferson, Bortolotti & Kuzmanovic, ‘What is Unrealistic Optimism?’, Consciousness & Cognition, 50 (2017)

Martin Seligman, ‘Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life’ (Vintage Books; New York, 1990)

Are you, or someone you know, negatively impacted by gambling?

Here's a couple of links that might help:

https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/gambling-addiction-and-problem-gambling.htm

IN OUR NEXT EPISODE...

In episode 4 of this season, we'll be discussing the benefits of being 'knowledge-hungry'. Don't miss it!