Optimism & Pessimism

Everyone thinks of themselves on the usual glass full measure. But there are lots of positions on the scale. While some people are 'glass half empty, I'll get a headache later, I couldn't afford it and I'll probably get fired for being drunk at work', others are 'glass half full, It's mine and it's very tasty, I've got money in my pocket and the bar's still open.'

It seems obvious that optimism is better than pessimism, but are we stuck with one viewpoint or the other?

Some psychologists suggest that we can train optimism in until it becomes a habit. If we have children we can start them in the habit by always proposing positive solutions to whatever problems they present, and that process in itself makes being a parent more of a pleasure.

If we are told, 'my homework is too hard,' it doesn't take Penelope Leach to see which way to go given a choice between 'Try harder, stupid,' and 'Bring it here and we'll see if we can work it out.'

For ourselves, we can externalise negative ideas and then act as devil's advocate (as the pessimist often likes to be contrary, devil's advocacy can be quite reassuring.)

So if you have a negative idea, pretend it was someone else who suggested it and then refute the idea with positive ideas of your own.