Overcoming A Pessimistic Mindset

People who have positive outlook in life, more often than not, have greater chance to succeed than pessimistic people. The reason behind this is actually simple and obvious; it is motivation. Without sufficient positive motivation, people tend to have either self-destructing or self-defeating attitudes when it comes to difficult situations. Obviously, people cannot actually succeed without first believing that they have the capacity to succeed.

Pessimism-depression connection

Psychiatric medications are usually not needed except for cases of clinical depression and bi-polar personality disorder. Depression is an extreme form of pessimism but pessimism itself does not always manifest itself as depression. Furthermore, negative mindset may also manifest as lack of motivation to pursue worthwhile things simply because they are difficult.

Having the will to defeat negativism is the first step in actually achieving something significant. On one hand, pessimism is a form of coping mechanism. This is a way of trying to justify failure or to avoid failure. It is usually coupled with laziness and procrastination. Many pessimistic individuals are also fond of blaming others rather than admitting their own inadequacies and taking responsibility for their actions.

Pessimism may eventually spiral down to depression if the circumstances become worse. For instance, a pessimistic person may become depressed with the realization of being a failure in life.

Know thyself

Combating pessimism is a psychological struggle that can only be won by examining the self. Acknowledging limitations is good but discovering potentials is much better. A person who is caught in in the pessimistic down spiral should try to emphasize all the positive attributes of himself or herself. Listing down all of these positive attributes can help.

Knowing one's self is difficult but not impossible. It may require the critical assessment of the current situation and recalling the significant progress made in the past. A turning point or key event may be identified as the main trigger for the current pessimism. Perhaps an initial failure or frustration on attempting something really important triggered the loss of interest.

Socialize

Associating with positive-minded people will help in overcoming personal pessimism. Finding friends that are supportive and motivated can boost self-confidence. Becoming a member of cause-oriented groups and charitable organizations may also help finding better focus.

People who focus on helping others find better sense of fulfillment. Socializing with optimistic and idealistic people can be life-changing. Even in a workplace, it is better to be part of highly-motivated and dynamic teams rather than working alone.

Take action

Inaction or insufficient action usually leads to pessimism. Conversely, pessimism leads to inaction or insufficient action. It is better to start immediately on a task or goal rather than being occupied over-analyzing the negative consequences and obstacles. People must realize that taking action or being proactive is far much better than being stupefied and overwhelmingly petrified by pessimism. It must be realized that fulfilling goals and aspirations is a learning process.

Eliminating procrastinations by being pro-active will sighnificantly reduce, if not totally eliminate, self doubts and fears. Being busy working on a worthile goal will divert the mind from dwelling too much on pessimism. One must realize that any worthwhile goal will require investment of time, effort and other resources. Pessimism can be overcome by eliminating idleness.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com