
Although much of the attention has been paid to its impact on physical health and subjective well-being (Mann, 2001 Sears et al., 2004 Smith, Young, & Lee, 2004), there is some evidence to indicate that the benefits of optimism also extend to interpersonal experiences and relationships (Carver, Scheier, & Segerstrom, 2010 Carver & Scheier, 2014). Optimism plays an important role in many aspects of our lives (Wrosch & Scheier, 2003). Although there may exist an optimistic personality profile across the five major traits, we found little evidence to suggest that anything other than lower neuroticism contributes to the impact that optimism might have on one’s social life and relationships. Target optimism had no impact on first impressions. Furthermore, this difference was discernable only after nine-weeks of acquaintanceship had been established.

Optimists consistently rated themselves as more agreeable and less neurotic than those low in optimism, but only the difference in neuroticism was detectable by perceivers. friends or family members) provided more extensive personality descriptions using a California Q-Set. Two additional informants nominated by each target as those who knew them well (i.e. Participants rated themselves and each other on the five-factor traits at three stages in the developing relationship: zero-acquaintance, after their first conversation with each other, and after nine weeks of acquaintance.
#Unrealistic optimism persuasion series#
We recruited 182 participants to complete a series of psychological measures and interpersonal activities over the course of ten weeks. To address this issue, the present study examined the impact of optimism on interpersonal outcomes assessed from the perspective of those in relationships with each target. Unfortunately, the research supporting this notion is scant and suffers from the confound that self-reports from optimists reflect their optimistic perspective. Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook.Optimists hold positive expectancies for their future, which some have suggested leads to advantages in the social realm (Carver, Scheier, & Segerstrom, 2010). "Visualize the steps you will take in order to make success happen."

"Don't visualize success," the author writes. To become a realistic optimist, the author suggests you not only maintain a positive outlook, but also run an honest assessment of the challenges you might face.

#Unrealistic optimism persuasion how to#
"People who are confident that they will succeed and equally confident that success won't come easily put in more effort, plan how to deal with problems before they arise and persist longer in the face of difficulty," the author writes. "When things are going poorly, he's comfortable admitting that and he's comfortable telling others both when Berkshire's performance is bad and when the broader market is bad."īuffet managed to remain transparent through his realistic optimism with company stakeholders.īut "visualizing effortless success," Grant Halvorson notes, "can be disastrous." "To me this communicates that even in negativity, Buffett is thinking about solutions and charting a path forward," Toth tells CNBC Make It.
