3486 - Now is the right time for Optimism (Robert Pawlicki)
Course Description
Instructor: Robert Pawlicki
Many people are feeling pessimistic right now. Pessimism is dangerous. It narrows our perspective, makes us prone to depression and can even shorten our lives. Optimism, especially realistic optimism, on the other hand, widens our perspective, enhances our creativity, well-being, and can even lengthen our lives. Retired psychologist Robert Pawlicki, in this Olli class, will share the dangers of the dark side and the benefits of working toward a realist optimism. We are hard-wired to be alert to the negatives for safety. However, too much focus can cause great harm to our mental and physical health. Heightening an awareness of the positive and achieving perspective while being realistic, is difficult but worth the effort. Increasing your options for a bit more well-being is a wise decision.
Bio: Robert Pawlicki, Ph.D., was a full professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, full professor at the West Virginia University Medical Center and associate professor at SUNY Oswego (State University of New York). He has published three books related to happiness and well-being. In retirement he became a newspaper columnist and has had over 150 columns published throughout the United States.