Resilience Factors: The Connection Between Realistic Optimism and Resilient Action
Featured Read:
Resilience Requires Realistic Optimism
Optimism and pessimism are usually defined as opposite ends of a spectrum of perspective. Some die-hard optimists are wholly blinded to life's realities as they immerse themselves in seeking the bright side of life. Extreme pessimists struggle with only ever seeing the dark side of the day to day. Each side has pretty apparent flaws when it comes to coping with the complex parts of life, and both extremes of mindset will certainly undermine the resilience of an individual facing adversity.
This article (linked in the title) by Philip Chard discusses the importance of finding a middle ground between these two extremes. To become more resilient individuals, we must include realism. There is nothing wrong with being naturally optimistic and looking on the bright side of life. However, we cannot allow optimism to blind us and prevent us from acknowledging the realities of the challenges we face.
Similarly, there is nothing inherently wrong with being pessimistic. However, if we are constantly fixated on the worst parts of our lives, the occurrence of difficult circumstances will only seem to reinforce a pre-existing bias.
This article emphasizes the need for what is often called "realistic optimism". Realistic optimism acknowledges the reality of difficult or even traumatizing experiences or contexts, and holds those realities together with hope.
Digging Deeper: Practical Tools to Care for Kids in Crisis
11am (EST), August 17, 2023
Our "Caring for Traumatized Kids" collaboration with Mercy Ministries continues!
Join us for this deeper dive into practical tools and resources to help children experiencing crisis and critical events.
Part 2 of Caring for Traumatized Kids:
"Digging Deeper: Practical Tools to Care for Kids in Crisis"
will take place on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 11 am EST.
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We look forward to seeing you there!
Additional Currently Trending Research & Resources:
The Need for Resilience and Optimism in Uncertain Times
This article by the Singapore Positive Education Network discusses the need for resilience in times of uncertainty and how resilience is a learned trait, not necessarily something that comes to us naturally. The article dives into the characteristics of resilience, including the factor of optimism, as it highlights the need for balance through uncertainty and provides tools for developing resilience and resilient behaviours.
Resilience and Change, Realistic Optimism and Humor
In this interview with Forbes, Doug Hensch discusses resilience in the workplace context and how humor can create a sense of psychological safety at work, which then develops and fosters deeper team resilience.
Learned Optimism
It's a common assumption that optimism is a natural trait that people are born with. But optimism is actually a trait that can be learned! This animation by Martin Seligman demonstrates that we can either learn the traits of helplessness or optimism. Optimism is driven by the belief that we can escape our current situation if we want to. Learned helplessness is the idea that sometimes so many challenging things occur that we give up and cease trying to seek change. The animation discusses how we can break free of learned helplessness by adjusting our viewpoint to one with greater optimism and hope for the future.
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