People are sometimes classified based on their outlook on life in relation to prevailing circumstances per time. Broadly speaking, people are either seen as optimists or pessimists, depending on how they relate to life. There is another group often referred to — the realists. This group is said to have an unbiased and pragmatic approach to life. I personally do not consider this group to be valid. In my opinion, it is not possible to be an absolute realist. Both the optimist and the pessimist are realists but in different ways. They only happen to see reality from different lenses.

The Half Glass of Water

“Is the glass half full or half empty?”

This is probably the most common expression used to distinguish optimists from pessimists, (as well as the numerous other variations that have emerged). The answer you give to this question is subjective, and whatever your answer to the question is, you’re probably right. 

An optimist is likely to see the glass as half full as he is wired to see things from a positively biased perspective, and the pessimist might say it is half empty as he is inclined to filter things from a worst-case scenario point of view. Both the pessimist and the optimist are correct in the way they process situations and the possible outcomes. 

I do not rate any perspective superior to the other. They both have their place in society. And both parties have good arguments on the validity of their points of view. I identify as an optimist and I preach it to as many that care to listen, but I also understand that the world needs a bit of pessimism to maintain balance. 

So What is Optimism? 

Or better still, what is it not?

There are certain misconceptions about optimists. Some folks believe optimists only see things through rose coloured glasses, and thus they are not “realistic” in their approach to life. Well, they probably tend to view the world through rose coloured glasses, but does that make them unrealistic?

Optimism is not Anti-Reality

I stated earlier that both optimists and pessimists are realists but in different ways. They are both faced by the same situations and circumstances, which we can refer to as reality, but they process them differently. 

The optimist acknowledges that things are the way they are at the moment —good or bad—, but the future promises to be even better. The pessimist on the other hand also acknowledges the current state of things but is of the opinion that things are always likely to go south in the long run. These outlooks sponsor the way they approach issues, and sometimes the outcomes as well.

Why Optimism?

I am a strong believer in the influence of our mindsets on our outcomes. “As a man thinketh, so is he”. I believe that my results are largely hinged on my thinking towards the issue at hand, so if I want positive results (which we all desire), then my thoughts have to reflect them for them to become a reality.

Some pessimists argue that anticipating the worst outcome shields you from unforeseen disappointments and probably help you to prepare better since you’re able to identify all the possible ways things can go wrong. Well, that seems like a good take, but I’ll rather err on the side of hope than risk sabotaging my results with my thoughts.

Of course, my optimistic hopes have been dashed a number of times before, but each time I get disappointed, I take the lessons there are to learn from the experience, restrategize, and go again, this time, with even more optimism.

Optimism is a Choice.

Research has proven that being an optimist or a pessimist has some genetic foundation, and these traits can be passed down from parent to offspring. Well, the effect of the genes responsible for the trait can be overridden. Previous experiences and environmental circumstances are said to have a greater effect on a person’s outlook on life.

Ultimately though, being an optimist is a choice. It can be learned. With the rate of negativity going on in the world today, there’s more and more reason to tilt towards pessimism, but with enough intention, it is possible to keep your thoughts positive and seek the good in every situation, always looking forward to the best possible outcome.

Optimism doesn’t ask you to ignore the negativity, it invites you to maintain hope through it all. Of course, it is necessary to balance things out by being aware that things can go wrong, but maintaining a positive attitude that everything will be fine in the end. 

In a nutshell…

Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.