OPTIMISM, PESSIMISM AND REALISM

WHICH ONE DO YOU BELONG  TO?

“A pessimist sees the difficulties in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”  -Winston Churchill

Even though we all know what these words mean, I don’t think we know very well that they are mindsets and personality trends that could have very important psychological effects on our lives. Let’s first  start with their definitions:

Optimism is  the tendency to take the most hopeful view and expect the best outcome in any circumstance.

Pessimism is the tendency to think and to expect the worst outcome in any circumstance.

Realism is the tendency to think with facts, figures and possibilities in any circumstance before deciding what to do.

Optimists, contrary to popular belief, are fully aware of the reality. They have the ability of positive thinking and imagination. They are always able take a positive action towards better outcomes. They have mental toughness, patience and tolerance. They are more connected to the community they live in and to the people around them.

Pessimists, don’t possess these personal characteristics. They always think negatively. This negative thinking makes them anxious and depressed and they always complain.

Realists, on the other hand always depend on facts, figures and possibilities to make a decision. They often brag and say, ”I am a realist not pessimist” or, ”that is not realistic.” They usually give an impression being cold, calculating  and complacent.

Nobody can predict his or her future. As I see it, being an optimist with an awareness of reality, is the best way to go in life.