It could perhaps be explained more simply by one of my favourite heroic fictional characters - Jack Reacher from Lee Child’s novels - whose mantra is ‘hope for the best, plan for the worst. It therefore describes a mindset of balancing optimism with realism. How does optimism help you succeed Optimism helps people succeed because it goes beyond seeing the bright side or expecting good things. The Stockdale Paradox combines facing into the current situation, and appreciating that it may be very difficult, while also holding on to the faith that a positive outcome is still possible. It is named after James Stockdale, a former candidate for US vice president, high-ranking naval officer, and Vietnam Prisoner of War for seven years. It is a really useful theory for leaders to consider when facing challenges, as many are in the current environment. The Stockdale Paradox illustrates how optimism can be balanced with realism to achieve successful outcomes. One theory which helps explain this is the Stockdale Paradox, made popular by the book ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins. 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 or optimistic in attitude. Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people. They take time to understand their environment and spot all the possible pitfalls, which ultimately makes them better equipped to avoid them. Keep your face always toward the sunshineand shadows will fall behind you. Optimists, while hoping for a positive outcome, are more realistic. I therefore feel that it is not as grounded in reality as optimism, as it seeks to quash anything that could be perceived as negative.
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 or optimistic in attitude.’ 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. Many people won’t have considered that there is one, but there is a subtle difference, and understanding this can help leaders develop the right mindset and attitude for success.
I find it very interesting to examine the difference between optimism and positivity. Optimism in close relationships: How seeing things in a positive light makes them so.
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