In today's recent episode of The Optimism Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Professor Jessica Koehler, a brilliant mind in the field of psychology and a true advocate for the power of optimism. Jessica's personal journey from a self-described "worrier" to a learned optimist resonated deeply with me. She shared how her life experiences, alongside her studies in psychology, led her to embrace optimism as a conscious choice. What I found particularly inspiring was her belief that even those who naturally lean towards pessimism can "flip the script" and adopt a more positive outlook by focusing on what they can control.
As Jessica explains, "We have the free will to change who we are to be more in line with what our ideals are, our core values. So I think it's a great thing to be able to say, well, I wasn't necessarily always this way. I was able to become this way, and so can other people. So I think I'm optimistic just about that."
Her story shows that even those who naturally lean toward pessimism can adopt a more positive outlook by focusing on what they can control.
Jessica highlighted that optimism isn't just a trait but a mindset that can be nurtured and developed. She offered many practical strategies for reframing negative thoughts and staying grounded, especially in challenging situations.
We also discussed the importance of fostering optimism in teenagers and young people, an issue close to our hearts. By modelling optimism, encouraging open communication, and focusing on the power of gratitude and resilience, Jessica believes we can help young people navigate their anxieties and challenges more effectively.
One of the highlights of our conversation was exploring rational optimism. As Jessica put it, "Rational optimism is the belief that we should acknowledge that there are challenges... but we recognize the human potential for improvement. It's balancing hope with realism, understanding that even though the future is uncertain, we're going to progress forward because we have so many amazing human beings in the world."
Jessica explained how this blend of optimism and realism enables better decision-making and resilience. "Seeing setbacks as just things that happen in life, not as failures, is key. If you frame things in that manner, when challenges come up, it'show you react to them really matters."
Jessica's insights were both profound and practical, offering valuable lessons on how optimism can be cultivated to improve individual wellbeing and society as a whole.