We all know that special someone who sees the glass as half full, 🥛 no matter how many times it's been refilled. But is this unwavering optimism a sign of intelligence or wishful thinking? A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology and Social Science suggests that there may be a link between cognitive ability and optimism about the future - including our finances.
I approach most situations...
A. With hope.
B. With caution.
C. With a "wait and see" approach.
Researchers surveyed 36,312 U.K. citizens and discovered that individuals with higher cognitive ability were less optimistic about their financial future than their peers with lower cognitive ability. Cognitive function was measured with memory, word recall, verbal fluency, mathematical, fluid and numerical reasoning assessments. The results indicate that adept critical thinkers may be more likely to see the potential for adverse outcomes, even if they are unlikely to occur. 🧐
So, does this mean that pessimism is the key to success? Not necessarily (pun). The study also revealed documented health benefits associated with maintaining a positive outlook. Optimistic folks experience immediate affective benefits like psychological well-being and higher self-esteem. The personality archetypes are also more effective at coping with negative feedback and savoring their successes.
So, what does this mean for you? If you tend to see the glass as half full, don't worry about changing your ways. But if you're constantly worried about the worst-case scenario, trying to develop a more balanced perspective might be helpful. And remember, even the most optimistic people must plan for the future. It's time to set realistic goals, create a financial budget, climb out of debt, and save for retirement.
Here are some additional tips for maintaining a healthy dose of optimism:
Focus on the positive | Make a conscious effort to focus on the good things in your life, even the tiny things.
Challenge negative thoughts | When you begin to think negatively, challenge those thoughts with evidence to the contrary. Call on your support system for extra encouragement.
Create realistic goals | Set yourself up for success by establishing goals that are realistic and measurable. If it doesn't make sense, it won't save you dollars. 🤷🏽♀️
Celebrate your successes | Take the time to savor your accomplishments. Eat that elephant one bite at a time.
Surround yourself with a positive Tribe | The people you spend time with can significantly impact your outlook on life, Friend.
How has your personality shaped your financial journey? Has the glass half empty approach to life served you well? Leave a comment about your experiences...
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