“When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade”: Let’s Chat about Optimism

“When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade”

A common phrase many of us have heard throughout our lifetime. A phrase targeted at building resilience in facing the inevitable challenges of life—it is all about optimism.

But, is all optimism good?

There are 3 types of optimism:

1. Disposition optimism: These people recognize how challenges are inevitable, but have faith that they will figure out a solution to each challenge they face.

2. Explanatory optimism: These people explain the cause of their good outcomes in a positive manner. Eg. Someone wins an award and attributes it to their hard work, instead of “luck” or a “fluke.”

3. Unrealistic optimism: These people believe in positive outcomes without a logical thought process. Eg. Someone claiming that only good things will happen to them because they are a good person. 

So, what do you think? Is all optimism good?

Personally, I don’t think so. Even though optimism has a positive connotation, I believe that it needs to be grounded in realism for good outcomes. Otherwise, I worry that optimism, for example with unrealistic optimism, is simply a maladaptive coping mechanism with no opportunity to grow resilience. 

Let’s re-consider the phrase, “When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade.” This phrase does not encourage us to always be optimistic without reason. Instead, my interpretation is to recognize the inevitable lemons of life and choose to make these lemons more sweet. At its core, “When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade” is truly about resilience. 

Reference:

All About Optimism: Definition, Health Effects, and How to Boost Your Outlook