Here’s a few points detailing why optimism can be bad. I notice Roger’s piece on optimism skates over the existence of a middle ground called realism due to some philosophical details. Well, assuming it’s there is just more usefulRoger, than branding anyone who disagrees with you a pessimist.
If you’re realistic you will come out with views that appear harsh or bleak to optimists, and you can be unromantic towards collective illusions that are highly valued. Maybe that’s why we’re less popular.
I agree with the therapeutic idea that if negative thinking is causing you problems then the alternate answer of ‘Perhaps everything will work out fine’ or even ‘I just don’t know what the outcome will be’ will help. Yes optimism can sometimes be useful, especially when things are very tough, or when action is needed. As for more fun, I’m not so sure, I enjoyed writing that last paragraph.
My gripe with optimism is that optimists can be a real pain for us realists to deal with.
We’ve heard about attributional errors that can lead to depression if applied consistently. This implies that incorrect attribution is causing a problem. If these attributional errors are consistently reversed in an optimist they can cause other problems. Taking credit for positive outcomes and attributing negative outcomes to external causes is a consistent feature of misleading shareholders reports, politician speeches and some unpopular people.
Overestimating the actual level of control and ignoring the role of luck is another consistent feature in business and politics. We’ve met people who see themselves as prudent and determined agents who are in fact lucky optimists. A realist would be more likely to perceive the correct balance of attribution more accurately more of the time.
In the Timberlawn analysis of ‘extraordinary mentally healthy’ people, one trait that emerged as healthiest was being realistic, seeing the world as it is, or being down-to-earth.
If you’re realistic you’ll want things that you have a good chance of achieving and you can see clearly how to go about getting them.
If you’re realistic you can perceive how much power you have in a situation without the problems that come with either overestimating or underestimating that power.
If you’re realistic you have a head start at perceiving your own and other people emotions.
Most people are optimistic most of the time due to cognitive biases and organisational pressures. Most people rate themselves as above average in talent, driving, sport, getting along with others etc. As a mother was overheard outside a school “they’re all above average, aren’t they?”. Well no they’re not.
Once a decision has been made then enthusiasm is needed for action, and that means optimism, but what about the decision making process? Once an optimist has made a budget, the original figure becomes anchored in people’s minds. Radical revision becomes much harder until it’s obviously wrong to everyone. How do you like the new Scottish Parliament building Roger? Useful isn't it?
Sources:
Lovallo & Kahnemann, ‘Delusions of success’ Harvard Business Review, July 2003
Skynner & Cleese, ‘Life and how to survive it’ 1993