Final answer:
The statement 'bad things happen to others, but I'm immune to misfortune' illustrates unrealistic optimism by implying an impossibility of negative outcomes for oneself, which does not align with the reality of risk and chance affecting everyone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best exemplifies unrealistic optimism is: "bad things happen to others, but I'm immune to misfortune." This type of optimism assumes an immunity to adverse events, which is an unrealistic and potentially harmful mindset as it fails to recognize the reality that misfortune can occur to anyone. Such a belief can prevent individuals from taking necessary precautions or planning effectively for potential setbacks. On the contrary, believing that one can achieve goals through hard work and being prepared for challenges reflects a more balanced and realistic optimism. Being hopeful and confident figures into creating a positive outlook on one's career and future but must be tempered with the understanding that not everything is within our control and that resilience plays a key role in overcoming obstacles.