Keeping Pessimism At Bay

For many of us, an attitude of pessimism is a form of self-defense. If we expect the worst, and it doesn't happen, we're spared the worst grief. And if we expect the worst, and it does happen, well at least we were right. The idea is that if we don't get our hopes too high, we won't have a hard fall.

But there is a more sinister, perhaps truer explanation for pessimism. Pessimists are in fact cowards who refuse to accept responsibility for their happiness and instead go through life behaving like victims of external circumstances. Pessimists routinely expect bad things to happen and thus make no effort to make things better. They behave as though the world exerts such a daunting force upon them that resistance is pointless. This kind of belief conveniently absolves them of any duty or responsibility to improve their own lives.

But pessimist is condemned to failure, or at least, mediocrity. Because self-enhancement is neither expected nor believed to be possible by their own means, pessimists are content to accept whatever is given to them.

Human beings are by nature weak and therefore most of us have a propensity towards pessimism - this is a kind of spiritual laziness that believes that since nothing better is possible, no work needs to be done. But if you are determined to keep pessimism at bay, here are few habits you can cultivate.

Firstly, adopt and attitude of gratitude. Pessimists are so blinded by the pains and injustices in life that they cannot see the good. If you are to transcend the pessimistic mindset, you have to first learn to be thankful for everything that comes your way. An absolute attitude of gratitude, that is, seeing the good in everything even when it appears bad, is not easy to develop, but it is by no means impossible. But start with finding at least one thing to be grateful for in every situation.

Next, surround yourself only with optimistic, forward-looking people. You will feed off one another's positive energies.

Next, watch your language. There is no doubt that words influence our consciousness, so consistently strive to use upbeat language, even if it feels strange initially. You'll come to realize that you can very often make yourself feel better just by saying the right words.

And foster a habit of creativity. Make repetition a sin. Try to do things differently. Over-deliver - when asked for one, come up with three. this renews and energises your mind and trains it to be resilient and resourceful.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd