Is it Best to Expect the Worst?
What happens if you're one of those people who hope for the best but always expect the worst thing to happen? Does that negative outlook really soften the blow if the worst comes to pass?Researchers put those assumptions to the test by surveying over 80 students about their outlook -- good or bad -- on life. Afterward, they were given computer-based puzzles to complete, then asked how well they would perform on a second set of problems.Not surprisingly, those who expected to do badly, and did, felt far worse than those with a better attitude who thought they would succeed but didn't. Moreover, those who took the negative view also tried to deflect any responsibility of their poor performance, not believing the results were a reflection of their overall capabilities.The researchers involved thought this indicated that those with a pessimistic disposition tend to be easily disturbed by failure, while those who are more optimistic are bothered less when they fail.
How to Fail at Practically Anything
Most people try to avoid failure. But failure is one of life’s great forces; it’s driven far more innovation than talent, creativity, or necessity. The failures you face, large and small, make you who you are and give you the opportunity to make yourself better.Part of being able to “fail well” may lie in your attitude. Are you a generally optimistic person, or do you dwell on the negative? According to an experimental study published in Nature magazine, students who had a pessimistic outlook, and expected to do poorly, felt far worse than those with a better attitude who thought they’d succeed but didn’t.But worse was the fact that the pessimistic students also tried to deflect any responsibility for their failure. In effect – they didn’t take the opportunity to learn something that might help them do things differently in the future, which is one of the main benefits you can reap from failure.Here are a few other thoughts on how to fail from Lifehack.org:
- Fail with grace: Take responsibility for the mess you’ve made, and for cleaning it up.
- Have a Plan B: Embracing failure means accepting the risks you’re taking and preparing for the worst.
- Get perspective: Tell an outsider your story, and ask what they would have done differently.
- Do something: Failure is the path of least persistence -- don’t just give up.
Nature February 3,
Sources: Lifehack.org September 12, 2007
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