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Most people consider it important to hold realistic views of themselves and the world around them, partly because being realistic is important for setting and achieving goals. But what if it turned out that delusional people achieve more? Read More
I believe that's relative
I believe that's relative Raj. I think if you're head of a company instead of an employee you can't be too self-indulgent about your illusions. At least not the kind of illusion that makes you set unrealistic deadlines.
Many times you're the one "interpreting the reality" around you for the rest of your troop. At least that's how I see it.
optimal delusion
You're right on one thing: you can't be so deluded that you are out of touch with reality (or others think you are out of touch), so there's a case to be made for an optimal level of delusion (as Baumeister did).
But having said that, I think it is important to err on the side of aiming higher rather than lower (or even at the "right" level). It seems to me that the troops gain a lot more inspiration from a gradiose vision rather than from a ultra-realistic one. Of course, a lot depends on the personality of the leader too; some leaders appear to inspire people even with only realistic (but laudable) targets...
fair enough
Yes I mostly agree with you Raj. The troops are more inspired by an grand vision, and if I happen to be the one leading them I'll do my best to inspire them and lead by example showing how committed I am to my own vision. But I myself can't lose sight of some aspects of reality that they can afford to be unaware of, as keeping an eye on the competitors, the marketplace, the employees' morales, the team inter-relationship and so forth. I oughtta have alternative options, plans A,B,C... and/or be prepared for changings of plans on the go(and communicating those plans to people who aren't gonna be happy about them under the best possible light). Although this doesn't necessarily exclude some delusion on my part, maybe up to an optimal level as you said.
foil
I'm the same guy from the comments about 'the troops'.
I came back here cause, coincidentally I just ran into this new study that says that fantasizing makes goals less likely to become true:
http://bps-research-digest.blogspot.com/2011/05/why-positive-fantasies-m...
I'm not saying you or these guys are wrong, or maybe they're complimentary, or the two studies see or conceptualize delusion from different perspectives, I've analyzed in depth neither of the researches nor I have any intention to. :)
But it's worth the reading for those interested I supposed.
I agree. I consider myself
I agree. I consider myself delusional and people have commented that I tend to be optimistic about things more so than not.. I find that trait of mine to be a positive feedback loop.. Even if it a difficult task, if I think that I can do it, I do end up doing it.. Sometimes, if I think about it realistically, (work out all the pros and cons and time, effort and money involved) I tend to get overwhelmed and it is easy for me to back out and I do not complete the task because it is daunting. But if I delude myself into thinking that I can do something, I find myself completing the task. I think it is a huge evolutionary advantage that we humans have over the rest of the food chain..
BTW, I am deluding myself to do a marathon next year.. Let us hope that my delusions of grandeur come to fruition..
good luck!
All the best--you will at least run more than you would have had you committed yourself to only a half marathon :)
Being Realistic
Being Realistic , yet in whos reality ?
I often do like to go to that " Hallmark Channel " in my head every so often .
To pause believe things can be better in life or there is hope when others may not see it . Yes of course as all remote controls go out so does that one in my brain I do come back to the world of reality to live this world of being realistic .
At times dogmatic , strigent without insight to what is more to this life . To have the awareness and willingness to want to learn more .
Realistic comes into play when paying the bills getting the kids to school on time . Making sure all is in order .
Yet what is outide of that door . TO grow is to imagine to dream to hope to wonder what it could be like . If not to how will you ever know when to take a chance or learn a bit more or even take a step out that door to see what is beyond what you know as your reality .
Being realistic is what you make it not what another determines for you . Reality is each moment of time you have . So the reaslistic portion of that is make it what you can
Dont forget we all can have the Hallmark channel in our heads to go to . To seek and find what is possible . Even though you may have found it yet it is there to be found . Just dont forget to have you batteries in life to keep you going in this world of reality ,One so many want you to be only realistic in .
Walk in Peace
I agree raj. Thats why there
I agree raj. Thats why there are so many narcs in america.
Another explanation stems
Another explanation stems from the literature on "depressive realism." Depressed people lack the optimism bias that most people have. Thus, the causal link between "delusional" thinking and happiness/productivity could be the other way around. It could be that realistic vs. delusional thinking is the outcome rather than the cause of happiness.
True!
Good point, Merrie!
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