Optimism is good...but not in all situations.
Optimism has many benefit. Some people suggest that you should always be optimistic and positive. However, there are times for optimism. And optimism has it’s advantages. But there are also times for pessimism.
Memory - What is it?
Until recently the insula has been a little known, largely unnoticed part of the brain tucked deep within the cortex. However, with the advancement of neuroimaging techniques, its vital roles have slowly been uncovered. It is a window into our self and others. It is key to self-awareness, motivation and addiction and empathy. Still, much is still unknown about this vital island buried deep inside our brains.
Optimism in Sport
Optimism and pessimism seem to play a large role in the classroom from primary school through to university. Children who are optimistic tend to do better than those who are pessimistic. Seligman argues this is due to their explanatory style. Optimists tend to recover quickly from setbacks while pessimists tend to wallow in depression leading to poor results. Pessimism and depression can also lead to a vicious cycle. Learn more here…
The Insula - Our window into our ‘self’ and others
Until recently the insula has been a little known, largely unnoticed part of the brain tucked deep within the cortex. However, with the advancement of neuroimaging techniques, its vital roles have slowly been uncovered. It is a window into our self and others. It is key to self-awareness, motivation and addiction and empathy. Still, much is still unknown about this vital island buried deep inside our brains.
Optimism in the Classroom
Optimism and pessimism seem to play a large role in the classroom from primary school through to university. Children who are optimistic tend to do better than those who are pessimistic. Seligman argues this is due to their explanatory style. Optimists tend to recover quickly from setbacks while pessimists tend to wallow in depression leading to poor results. Pessimism and depression can also lead to a vicious cycle. Learn more here…