Optimism VS. Positive Thinking

Is being optimistic about a situation the same as having positive thoughts about it?

Let us start off with some bite-sized introduction to this topic

Many times we won’t have considered that there is one, but allow me to share with February’s Content that there is indeed a subtle difference, and understanding this can help us individuals develop the right mindset and attitude for success.

So now, quick question, have you ever come across various “positive quotes” or “billionaire mindset quotes” on social media and all around you? If you are wondering what kind of quotes I am talking about here, here's an example.

“Now visualize what you want in your life and really believe it will happen, and you will attract it to you. Whether it’s health, a life partner, or a certain career you want, the “power of positive thinking” is all that it takes to make it manifest.”

When reading this, you might be thinking “Okay so right now, all I have to do is know the best outcome, see it in my mind, and I am going to hold it in my hands.” Now let's break this down and discuss this from 3 perspectives. A psychology professor, the dictionary definition, and last but not least, my belief.

Interesting thing is, according to Gabriele Oettingen, a motivation researcher and psychology professor at New York University, suggests that goal attainment isn’t all just about happy thoughts, but actually ANTICIPATING and PLANNING for those positive outcomes to happen. Oettingen also differentiates between optimism - positive expectations about the future based on past experiences, and positivity which simply relies on just positive thinking or wishful dreaming.

The dictionary definition of optimism is ‘hopefulness and confidence about the future or the success of something’ while positivity is ‘the practice of being, or tendency to be positive in attitude.’ This suggests that although adopting a positive mindset can help us get through difficult times, it tends to focus purely on mind over matter - thinking positive thoughts and banishing all negative ones.

Is there really a difference between being optimistic and thinking positively?

Now, here’s where things start to get a lot more interesting, buckle up. Let me share with you what my belief is……. I believe that Optimism is CONFRONTING the obstacles dealt with us, but not also forgetting to be willing to ACKNOWLEDGE the pain (and any other feelings we might be feeling) and the brutal difficulty of the situation. BUT at the same time, we BELIEVE and KNOW ourselves that options can be found and that even if we can’t see the option or solution right now, we believe and know that there is one out there waiting to be found. If there isn't one, we’ll MAKE one ourselves.

Now, on the other hand, Positive Thinking (when taken to the extreme) can make us OBLIVIOUS to the outcomes of the situation, be it for the better or for the worst. We might DISREGARD some of our feelings, sometimes even all of them, while being too focused on all the things that can go right, WITHOUT the acknowledgement and realization that there is a possibility of a scenario not turning out the way we want it to. This in turn, if the situation does turn out in a negative way, we would be traumatized and our hearts would be ravaged.

Now let me give you a simple example, let's assume that you are waiting on the outcome of a job interview. You know you were not the only good candidate, but the interview went well and you feel like you could do the job well if selected. If you are OPTIMISTIC about the result, it means that you feel it went well and there is likely to be a job offer made. Our optimism keeps your spirits up and can counter mild negativity about the job.

Now if you are POSITIVE about the result, we feel we will get the job. This is more likely to be a reflection of our own need to stay positive than accurate reading of our prospects. Not getting the job after being positive about the outcome could well be bewildering and extremely devastating. I, therefore, feel that it is not as grounded in reality as compared to optimism, as it seeks to eliminate any thoughts or signs that could be perceived as negative.

By now, you might be wondering, after saying so much, what is really the main difference between optimism and positivity? Well, I’m glad you asked! I have compiled 3 main differences between being positive and optimistic. Now let me share with you how embracing an optimistic perspective can help us in the various aspects of our lives.

1. Truth of the matter VS. Cherry-picking reality

Optimism realizes the truth of reality and looks forward to a brighter future, while positivity is telling ourselves and others that everything is good, even if it isn’t.

2. Acknowledgement VS. Negligence

Optimism accepts the truth of reality and looks forward to a brighter future, while positivity is disregarding our feelings while being too focused on things that can go right.

3. Positive Expectations VS. Wishful Dreaming

Optimism anticipates and plans for those positive outcomes to happen, while positivity simply relies on just positive thinking or wishful dreaming.

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