The Art of Turning Within

The Inner Sanctuary · Happiness & optimism

Realistic optimism.

Hope that stays faithful to the facts.

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side.

आ नो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतः

ā no bhadrāḥ kratavo yantu viśvataḥ

Ṛgveda 1.89.1NIVARTHI rendering from the Sanskrit

Key insights

  1. Optimism does not mean ignoring problems. Psychologist Sandra Schneider argued for realistic optimism: staying hopeful while remaining honest about the facts.
  2. In practice, it means giving yourself the benefit of the doubt where the future is genuinely uncertain, and appreciating what is good in a situation.
  3. Happiness can be nurtured. Researchers Lyubomirsky, Sheldon and Schkade argued that intentional activities, such as gratitude and acts of kindness, offer a promising route to lasting change. The exact percentages proposed in that paper have since been questioned.
  4. Small, regular practices tend to matter more than occasional big efforts.

Try this

Best and likely

Think of an upcoming event. Write down the best realistic outcome, the most likely outcome, and one thing you can do to bring the likely closer to the best.

Reflection

Where might you be underestimating your ability to cope?

References

  • Schneider, S. L. (2001). In search of realistic optimism: Meaning, knowledge, and warm fuzziness. American Psychologist, 56(3), 250–263.
  • Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111–131.