When you see the world through rosecolored glasses you think that things are better and more pleasant than they really are. You also expect that things in life will turn out better than they actually do. You believe that the future will be much better than the past. Recent Neuroscience investigations have suggested that humans are more optimistic than realistic.
While optimism is a positive approach to life it can also be a double-edged sword.
It would be ideal if you can find the authentic truth and balance your beliefs and also have a realistic view which recognizes the true nature of things and fosters dealing with them as they are. To see things as they really are and not be discouraged takes maturity and courage.
If you are only optimistic and only see things only through rose-colored glasses then when things are not going very well, you might not do anything about them or not do anything to improve the situation. If you expect your children to be extremely gifted and capable of achieving more than their peers, as the study suggests, then you will fail to get your children the special help they may need.
The study also stated that people overestimate their life span by 20 years or more. This might cause you to neglect your health thinking you have more time than you do to make things right physically. You might not get your things in order or make the necessary provisions for your loved ones.
If you don’t see the unpleasant side of people, things and situations you can be broadsided by treachery at work or home or with your so-called friends. You will not have the opportunity to prepare and avoid complicated and difficult events and predicaments.
There is no question that it is better to be optimistic than pessimistic or even realistic. Psychology encourages you to expect the best always. It suggests that your expectations can create and color your reality.
Patricia Frank is a Licensed Psychotherapist. She can be reached at 305-788-4864, Psychotherapy.a2z@gmail.com
