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Stop Being Realistic

By Dr Jill Ammon-Wexler

Most of us were taught that having a “realistic” opinion of ourselves is basic to sound mental health.

But is this necessarily true? Would we do better to indulge in “self-illusions?” 

It’s commonly assumed that normal, well-adjusted people have realistic views of their own potential. 

And it is also commonly assumed that those who do not have realistic self-concepts are very possibly neurotic or unbalanced.  

Are these assumptions true?   I’ll have to say absolutely not.

As a psychologist, the healthiest and happiest people I’ve known are totally unrealistic about themselves.

In short — they have what some might call “unrealistically optimistic illusions” about their own capabilities and potential.   

So... could this actually be a good thing?

Let’s  take a look at some recent research and clinical evidence.  A short self-evaluation test is used to divide a group of college freshmen into two groups: Those who are “extremely optimistic” about their probable success, and those who say they’re “more realistic” about their chances for success.

The research team then gives a series of psychological tests to each  group.  

The results show that the “extremely optimistic” students tend to:  

-- Exaggerate their positive qualities,

-- See themselves as more ethical, creative, imaginative and intelligent than they really are, and 

-- Tend to dismiss their personal flaws as unimportant.  

Does that sound “healthy?” Yet the personal interviews of the optimistic group show them to be very well-adjusted, happy, and not focused on any negative aspects of their own personality.  

Interesting!  

So what about those who are more “realistic” about themselves? This may come as quite a surprise. Their personal interviews reveal that many of them suffer from depression and negativity, and they are less likely to achieve their goals. 

Humm. It seems that having an exaggerated view of your abilities and potential might be better for your mental well-being than being “realistic” about yourself.“  

     Excerpted from course: “Zap Your Life: Feel the Power” -  learn more at: Quantum-Self

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 © 2007 by author Dr Jill Ammon-Wexler, Pioneer brain/mind researcher -
see her site for ecourse "Take Charge: 14 Steps to Smash your Limits"
and info about the Quantum Brain Gym [click "Member Center"]

Quantum-Self


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