The Difference Between Optimism and Pessimism
Lately I’ve been thinking: what is the difference between an optimist and a pessimist? The answer lies in how they deal with adversity.
When an optimist faces a setback, a loss, or a failure they look at the specific situation and consider the setback temporary. It’s no matter, they think…next time will be a success.
In the same situation, a pessimist thinks of the setback as permanent and global. I’ll never be able to do this, they think…I’m doomed.
When I’m feeling down—and let’s be honest, we all feel down from time-to-time—I remind myself: global and permanent versus specific and temporary, that’s the difference.
Then, I try to change my outlook by looking for the specific and temporary aspects of the situation. When I am able to do this effectively, it feels really good. I feel better knowing that clouds will pass and sunny days will come again.
Scott – for my college essays I wrote on being a “peptomist” which is a made up term for someone who is neither an optimist or a pessimist. I made the argument that I am someone who acts and lives more in the moment than looking forward – bad or good. Meybe it’s time to check in a see how that is working for me
Molly
2 Nov 09 at 9:55 am
This definitely answered my problem, say thank you you!
Vanetta Gradilla
5 May 11 at 9:10 am