Saturday, October 10, 2009

Overrated Optimism: The Peril of Positive Thinking

Overrated Optimism: The Peril of Positive Thinking

Like so many other psychological fads, overdoing positive thinking can lead to terrible results when we dump realism for unbridled optimism. this Barbara Ehrenreich piece is worth reading and thinking about.

As someone who was once accused of being negative on the job because I insisted on being realistic, I know how it feels to be pounced upon for looking at a situation with clear-eyed realism instead of unjustified enthusiasm.

Sometimes optimism and good cheer is wonderful; sometimes it's invaluable. And sometimes it's a trap.

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