"A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties."--Harry S. Truman
Did you know that optimism is learned? According to Martin Seligman PhD, a psychologist and educator, learned optimism is an idea in positive psychology stating that a positive outlook can be cultivated, like any other talent.
This idea is contrasted with learned helplessness. Learned helplessness theory is the view that negative outlook may result from a perceived absence of control over the outcome of a situation. The word perceived is so important because it means it can be changed. It's a perspective that is steeped in a pessimistic viewpoint.
Learned optimism is done consciously by challenging negative self talk. Seligman states that the benefits to an optimistic outlook are many including: higher achievement and better health overall.
So what does this have to do with communication? A lot actually. It relates to framing and reframing. In communication we filter our perceptions of the world in particular ways, essentially making some aspects of our multi-dimensional reality more noticeable than other aspects. We put frames on everything.When we communicate we are framing while we are processing information. Sometimes we get stuck in a "helpless" or victim position, where we believe that we can't change the course of a conversation. However, reframing can help when we are stuck. We can always reframe a conversation. Think about a how changing a picture frame can change the way we see a picture. It is the same idea with communication. Rather than give up and call it a defeat, we can always step outside of the conversation, regroup, and try a new approach. This is where we can think about learned optimism. Learning skills like optimism can help us to have a positive attitude about others and our communication. We can shift our mindset by reframing. We can look at things with a fresh perspective!
There is a picture book that elaborates this concept well. It is called, "Not a Box" by Antoinette Portis. It is a simple story with a great message about reframing. The book states, "A box is just a box...unless it's not a box." From a mountain to a rocket ship, a small rabbit shows that a box will go as far as the imagination allows.
When we see things with only one possibility (i.e., a box) without using any creativity or imagination, we limit our choices. Opening up our mind to multiple possibilities and potential outcomes is a way to start learning optimism and improving our communication.
I really like this concept. In the past I was far too often found guilty of seeing through my one dimensional frame. The irony is that I would ask myself why others wouldn't try to see things my way!
ReplyDeleteIn business, being able to change views to see things optimistically has a profound effect on problem solving, and especially in a team setting. It actually gets you somewhere better!
Thanks for sharing this, Matt. I think Professor Wood's lecture on Thursday was so insightful about how we can change the course of a conversation by "leveling," which can have a profound positive effect. That is a good way to systematically reframe a conversation.
DeleteI love this concept. Optimism is such a great tool, and those who learn to cultivate it and let it grow are so much better off because of it. I think the concept of learned helplessness is so destructive. I know that I have felt both optimism and pessimism (or learned helplessness) and I am able to do so much more and be so much more productive when I am optimistic. I think sometimes it is hard to try to be optimistic. Life can put us in some really tough situations. But when we put forth a continual effort to become optimistic, those situations will not seem as tough, and it will be easier to find solutions to problems that we have. Thank you for the uplifting and empowering topic!
ReplyDeleteI love this concept. In my present line of work, optimism is very important. I am in sales and a un-optimistic sales man have skinny kids. On the days that i allow other peoples action to affect me i carry a sad countenance and that results is a less-productive day. However on days i choose to be optimist and avoid the negative, i carry a more happy countenance and that almost always produces higher results. Through my line of work i have had to train myself to be optimistic regardless of others and weather.
ReplyDeleteI consider myself an optimistic think. When I personally take a challenge and make it a positive experience some people get frustrated with that. I love the concept that optimism is learned. I have never thought of it that way. It makes sense though. An optimistic thinker is not made over night, it takes practice.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! I like the idea that it is learned too. It gives pessimists some hope--if that's possible :)
DeleteI seriously love all of the optimism quotes! Very inspiring and rejuvenating. I think that every day when we wake up, we make the decision to either be optimistic or pessimistic. I find myself struggling with this concept during school time especially because of how challenging it can be but I'm grateful for school and for what it teaches me. I have learned that the only way to survive another semester is through being VERY optimistic. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved that optimism is learned! My sister-in-law is a huge pessimist and she always says that she is negative because her whole family is and that's where she gets it. She says it's impossible to change. I definitely need to show her this post and have her read "Not a Box". It may give her some perspective and something to think about. It also gives me hope that I can become MORE optimistic and maybe have more success when opportunities arise! :)
ReplyDeleteReading this post was definitely what I needed in this specific point of my life. I'm planning my wedding and with all the little things to think about and have go wrong, finding the optimism can sometimes be a challenge. I definitely believed that optimism is learned, and the better attitude we have the happier we will be. I constantly remind myself of all the blessings I have in my life and literally count them on my hand. It turns my day right around and helps put everything into perspective.
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