While we might think that we judge the present correctly the truth is that we often judge it more positively then it actually was. Rosy retrospection refers to the psychological phenomenon of people sometimes judging the past disproportionately more positively than they judge the present. You have probably noticed this phenomenon by yourself. When you go to the job interview it feels scary, but a few days later you remember it as a normal experience. I remember when I was Skydiving in Dubai. I was sick to my stomach, but now looking back at it it was a pleasurable experience. We all do it from time to time when we remember past experiences so the question is why we do it and how it impacts our life. Simplifications and exaggerations of memories (such as ones that occur in rosy retrospection) make it easier for people's brains to store long-term memories. We tend to remember the memories that have the most impact on our lives and if we simplify past memories then we don’t have to worry about them too much. Rosy retrospection distorts a person's view of reality to some extent, some people theorize that it may in part serve a useful purpose in increasing self-esteem and a person's overall sense of well-being. Imagine if you started your first business and it failed. This might create negative memories and you might develop limiting belief that you are not good enough to start your own business. Thanks to Rosy Retrospection after some time you will view this past experience as not so negative and therefore you are more likely to give it another try.
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