It is time to jump into the way back machine and visit an article written in 2003 about pessimism. The Positive Side of Pessimism by Kathleen Mitchell touches upon similar themes I’ve explored here.
Kathleen writes:
When you see the world through a pessimistic lens, it’s usually because you’ve been hurt or discouraged and want to avoid feeling that way again. It is less risky for you to believe in the worst happening than to work at making the best happen. As negative as these thoughts appear to be, there is a lot of wisdom in them.
I appreciate this point of view. I’ve struggled often with the idea that optimism is the ‘correct’ view of the world and ‘pessimism’ is incorrect. If you act one way you are in harmony with existence and everything will be easier and glorious and the other leads to misery and hardship. Both points of view are wired into us for a reason and I can’t bring myself to believe that I am to ignore pessimistic thoughts in favor of optimistic positivity.
Her article does mention four specific ways to utilize pessimism and turn the negative to a positive. One of her pieces of advice is to learn from your pessimist. “Whenever you feel yourself slipping into your pessimistic and suspicious persona, ask yourself what insights are below the surface.”
Kathleen Mitchell finishes her article by telling us, “Above all, consider your inner pessimist as that part of you that wants to cover all the bases. Pay attention; hear the concerns behind the negativity. Then learn to turn your pessimist into a prepared optimist.”
She is admitting here that negativity is bad. Negative thoughts are defeatist thoughts that prevent us from taking the risks needed to reach success. Most pessimists probably are defeatists, unwilling to take the risks. I’ve often said I have a low tolerance for risk which I am trying to change, so I am in that group of defeatists. There has to be a way to utilize the pessimistic energy to help mitigate risks and make it feel less like climbing a cliff without ropes.
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