Are we born to be more optimistic than realistic? Tali Sharot presents her new research suggesting that our brains are wired to look on the bright side—and how that can be both dangerous and beneficial.
According to various studies, optimism is considered a significant positive influence factor on physical and mental health, promoting healthy lifestyle-related behavioral patterns and adaptive responses to negative conditions. However, when in excess, this unrealistic optimism can result in frustration and even harm to interpersonal relationships.
In the video below, from the YouTube channel ‘TED,’ which showcases the best TED Conferences by the world’s greatest thinkers, we see Tali Sharot, an Israeli/British/American neuroscientist and professor of cognitive neuroscience, discussing optimism and how it affects our lives.
Whenever an immediate thought arises, try to stop and think: is this true, really? Where did this thought come from? After all, why do I see the situation this way?
Similarly, reflect on what you often think about the people around you or the situations you go through. Is your first impression correct, or is it the result of anxious thinking?
