SERIOUSLY SPEAKING - SO WHO WAS POLLYANNA?

The name comes from a 1913 children's book by Eleanor H. Porter, about a little girl who had a very optimistic outlook…

Nothing wrong with that, right?

BUT…

When this behavior goes too far we have the 'Pollyanna Syndrome'.  This refers to unrealistic optimism.  People with this condition whitewash difficult situations and create an alternative reality where everything is just fine...

Obviously when we refuse to see problems we are not able to deal with them and make the world more dangerous for ourselves and those around us.

Part of the reason others often get angry with these Pollyanna Syndrome folks is that they sometimes present their behavior as if their attitude were superior!

DANCE WITH IT!   EXPERIENTIAL APPS                           

An opportunity to experiment with some fun ideas…

THINK ABOUT THE IMAGE OF AN OSTRICH WITH ITS HEAD IN THE SAND…      

AND TO ADD THAT POLLYANNA FLAVOR, IMAGINE IT'S EXPOSED PARTS DOING A LITTLE HAPPY DANCE…

How often do you play ostrich?

What types of situations bring out the ostrich/Pollyanna in you?

When you think about times you have done this, what was the outcome?