The Advantage

Chapter 5

Optimism

How optimistic are you really? How do you view difficult events in your life? Let’s face it – there are a lot of things to feel negative about. And in an uncertain world where traditional supportive structures like secure employment and family are eroding, and we are experiencing challenges and opportunities like never before, cultivating and maintaining optimism is more important than ever. Research demonstrates that optimistic people are more successful, healthier and live longer. For many people there is an ‘optimism bias’ hard-wired into the brain, but for those who are more pessimistically orientated, the good news is that optimism can be learned.

What is optimism?

Optimism is often confused with ‘positive thinking’, ...