Being optimistic has benefits, such as breeding hope, but upholding relentless positivity in the face of challenges can be detrimental, even toxic
Over the last couple of years, Jenny has moved away from her ever-shining positivity and begun embracing a more realistic attitude. Therapy has been key. “Mental health professionals are getting more realistic,” she says. “They’re saying, ‘Yes, you should be grateful and you should be mindful.’ But they’re also not saying, ‘If you think positive all the time, you will be positive all the time.’ ”
, researchers from the University of Bath and the London School of Economics and Political Science studied 1600 people’s financial expectations in life, comparing them to actual outcomes over 18 years. The researchers found that being optimistic about outcomes was associated with lower wellbeing, and realists fared best. “Being realistic about your future and making sound decisions based on evidence can bring a sense of wellbeing, without having to immerse yourself in relentless positivity,” said researcher Dr Chris Dawson.That’s not to say you should plunge yourself into negativity. Compared to realists, pessimists fared badly.
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