First Memories of Life: A Key to Shaping Optimism and Pessimism

We often divide people into those that are optimists and then those who are exactly the opposite. It is undoubtful that one of these characteristics dominate the other, but the real question is whether they are mutually exclusive.

Many researchers believe that they are not. In fact, they argue that for full understanding of the outlook in one’s life, these two need to be intertwined. Furthermore, whether we have a more optimistic view in life is formed based on experiences we have very early in our lives, and this is difficult to influence later.

Key Takeaways:

• As might be expected, those with a sunnier outlook are likely to have a more positive route through life, according to studies.
• Research suggests that a tendency to optimism or pessimism can be predicted be early memories, which indicate mental direction.
• Even if one’s earliest memories do not dispose one to a positive outlook, it’s possible to develop a positive outlook by looking for outlooks that make one happy and building on those feelings.

“In an early recollection example, Candy, a retired nurse in her late 60’s, related the following memory that clearly conveys optimistic qualities.”

Read more: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dawn-memories/202110/first-memories-life-key-shaping-optimism-and-pessimism