A healthy mindset is the key to success. How you view yourself and the world has a greater impact on who we are and what we will hope to achieve. While no one admits to or wants to be a pessimist, being an optimist and realist are another two commonly tossed words without an apprehension of what they stand for.
While we like to label things black and white, the reality always stands different. Like the theory of yin and yang, optimism, pessimism, and realism must co-exist for people to strive and survive.
Even though some people say there’s no such thing as optimists, pessimists, or realists, we’ve learned from coaching many folks worldwide that they exist. We’ve found that achieving a healthy balance among these perspectives is crucial for navigating life’s challenges.
This can look like being in tune with yourself, your hopes, aspirations, triggers, and patterns, which can set you apart or set you up for failure.
So, where does that balance come from?
Who does better: the optimist, the pessimist, or the realist? How do you know which one is good for you?
Here is our take on what sets them apart and what each persona has to do with us.
The Real Difference Between Optimist vs Pessimist vs Realist
In a nutshell, the optimist is positive about everything, the good and the bad.
Pessimists see failure as negative and bad in everything around them. The realist only focuses on the practical regardless of its positive or negative outcomes.
But that does cut the real definitions? Not precisely
1- An Optimist
An optimist likes to look at the world with positive hindsight. They think good of themselves and their days ahead. An optimist will try to look at the silver lining of everything.
Did their car break down?
That is no problem; this might mean a new vehicle. Did they get late? No problem; this may mean doing better the next time.
As healthy as this may sound, the excess of positivity can become harmful. You might have heard the word ‘toxic positivity’.
Meaning being obsessed with acting and being positive all the time.
This may not always work in your favor, which is why we also need a bit of help from the other two persons.
2- A Pessimist
A pessimist doesn’t always have a frowning face. Yet they do have a frowning attitude towards life.
Research has shown that people with pessimism develop defensive pessimism as a coping mechanism to reach their goals. Such a mindset helps them achieve their goals.
3- A Realist
A realist is unhinged by optimism and pessimism. They view life as it is.
They don’t always define their definition by the good or bad. A realist might do things that feel okay and good to them.
They do not want to maintain the balance between the good and bad and hence have no real optimism and pessimism attached to themselves.
What Makes Them Apart?
Which one should adopt? Optimism is often seen as the ideal pick.
However, life is always presented with different situations, and the one who survives best is the one who can balance based on the situation presented at hand.
The main difference between an optimist, pessimist, and realist is how you perceive it.
For example, doing the right thing may bring about negative outcomes, yet you stay positive and stick with your values!
The Theory of Half Full and Empty Glass: The Optimist vs Pessimist
The example of always using the glass half full and half empty shows how an optimist will try to bring out positive solutions when presented with an opportunity.
In contrast, a pessimist would keep staring at the empty without thinking of the half-full.
An optimist is more likely to get recognized for what they do. Gain more opportunities and even go on to make historical discoveries and inventions.
However, a lot of enthusiasm and positivity can sometimes push people to their limits, making them make rash decisions and outcomes.
This is why, based on our understanding and outlook on life, an optimist should always balance it with being a realist.
How can you balance being optimistic and realistic?
Having a positive attitude coupled with life’s reality is the way to go.
For example, an optimist has always been about a certain business and has enough capital to run it.
Giving into their spontaneousness, they open their business, invest in the capital, and passionately work on it.
However, life reality, such as the economy and other social factors, may hit their business. A vision, passion, and capital may not be sufficient to take the company through.
This is where being a realist is important. You should understand your business, conduct market research, and hire a team.
In the same manner, you might be surprised by how pessimism may be of help.
Defensive pessimism can help you prevent a negative outcome while protecting you from disappointments and focusing on possible solutions that can save you from frustration.
What Should Your Ideal Personality Be Like?
Our mind can trick us into liking positive outlooks. However, every person should strive for a balanced outlook on life.
You might want to push yourself to be positive and lively, but that’s not always possible. But understand that always being your cheery self is not always the case, and it’s okay to feel unmotivated and sad sometimes.
What matters is how you view yourself and want to work on yourself. Identifying where you are lacking is a key and powerful way of improving yourself daily to make the best of who you are and what you want.
Final Words
Happiness should not be a metric to chase; it should be mental peace and contentment within yourself.
No matter whichever side of the personality spectrum you relate to, remember that as long as you constantly strive to become a better version of yourself, you will do better.
Whether you are an optimist, pessimist, or realist, you can always make good choices for yourself.
At Positive Realist, our world-class coaches understand the importance of moving forward with clarity and purpose.
With us, you can embark on a self-discovery journey unlike ever before.
Connect with us today, and help us determine which personality suits you best.
