Better to be optimistic, mindful, or both? The interaction between optimism, mindfulness, and task engagement

What is it about?

We examine the relationships between optimism, mindfulness, and task engagement. Specifically, the following was our key research question: Is it better to be optimistic or mindful, or both, when it comes to stimulating individuals’ task engagement? Our findings show that task engagement was highest when both optimism and mindfulness were high, indicating that neither optimism nor mindfulness alone would predict individuals’ highest task engagement, as well as optimism and mindfulness acting together can predict it. From a practical perspective, we provide guidance for managers and organizations on how to stimulate employees’ task engagement. Optimists benefit from the heightened attention that mindfulness practice affords when engaging in tasks. In sum, people’s task engagement tends to be highest when they are simultaneously high in both optimism and mindfulness.

Featured Image

Photo by Izzy Park on Unsplash

Photo by Izzy Park on Unsplash