For a long time, the idea of positive thinking was seen as a universal key to happiness, success and harmony. She was promoted by best-seller authors, personal growth trainers and even business leaders. But over the years it became clear: the excessive belief in the bright future without actions and critical thinking - not a panacea, but a trap.
Positive thinking: a promise that has not always worked
since the middle of the twentieth century, thanks to the works of Norman Vincent, the idea of the power of positive thinking has gained insane popularity. However, current research in the field of psychology shows that continuous optimism not only does not solve problems and sometimes deepens them. Hope for a better future without specific actions and a realistic assessment of the situation reduces motivation and undermines our ability to adapt.
Mono -optimism is being replaced by myths,
modern psychology is increasingly leaning towards the concept of realistic optimism - the balance between hope and a sober view of things. Psychology Susan David emphasizes: "Adopting negative emotions is not a weakness, but a path to flexibility and effective solution to problems."
Realistic optimism does not allow you to close your eyes to the challenges, but on the contrary - to use them as a basis for growth. This is an approach that allows you to keep confidence by acting within real capabilities.
Negative emotions as a tool, not the enemy,
many still believe that fear, anger, or anxiety are a manifestation of weakness or negative thinking. But, as Dr. Mark Manson says, these emotions are a kind of internal compass that helps us recognize risks and make better decisions.
Scientific theories, such as the model of Paul Ekman's emotions, confirm that negative emotions have an adaptive function. They signal the danger, injustice, or the need for change - to ignore them means to deprive themselves of important feedback.
How to apply realistic optimism in everyday life
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Realistically evaluate situations - not to dramatize, but not to decorate.
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Focus on what you can control.
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Use negative emotions as hints rather than threats.
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To accept all your emotions without suppressing them.
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To build specific, flexible plans and a willingness to change them.
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Learn from mistakes rather than avoid them.
Returning to reality is not a defeat, and the power of
realistic optimism does not deprive us of hope. It just places it on a solid basis. This is not a dream approach, but to actions. It allows you to experience difficulty with dignity, to see opportunities even in crisis and move forward not because "everything will be fine", but because we act to do well.
