According to Allport (1937), "an impartial and objective attitude toward oneself is held to be a primary virtue, basic to the development of all others … if any trait of personality is intrinsically desirable, it is the disposition and ability to see oneself in perspective" (p. 422). Similarly, Jahoda (1953) claimed that a hallmark of healthy individuals is considering "matters one wishes were different, without distorting them to fit these wishes" (p. 349). In line with the viewpoints of these and other forerunners in psychology, this chapter presents a case for positive psychological interventions that promote positive yet realistic self-perceptions. Our recommendation arises from research showing that unrealistically positive self-perceptionsdeemed self-enhancement -can actually hinder a person from succeeding and functioning optimally, whereas accurate self-perceptions yield a host of beneficial outcomes. In particular, we have conducted experiments directly comparing self-enhancement to accurate self-perceptions and consistently found that the former is detrimental, whereas the latter promotes academic excellence, motivation to improve and achieve, and psychological well-being. Likewise, robust research from within positive psychology supports this claim, which we will review in this chapter. Taking into account this body of evidence, interventions may be most effective in helping people to flourish if they encourage positive but realistic selfperceptions and if they provide effective methods to advance from a current, realistic self to a future, idealistic self. Indeed, in order to improve, be more successful, and lead fulfilling, meaningful lives, individuals need to have an accurate sense of themselves, their current abilities, and their current shortcomings, and to take action accordingly.Furthermore, emphasizing realistic self-perceptions within positive psychological interventions separates positive psychology from other trends that promote artificial positive thinking. These trends, such as the self-esteem movement, the