written by Pamela Taylor
Pessimism, if not overcome, can become one’s default system. The overriding statement throughout the day always has a negative tone… “I always get bad breaks… I always get overlooked for promotion… I always lose good relationships.” The list can go on and on. Being defeated and down is your all-time favorite flavor. Pessimism has taken over your life.
I firmly believe that pessimism is rooted in fear. It sabotages potential good outcomes ahead of time. It is a “just in case” defense mechanism, so you hurt yourself before disappointment hurts you first.
Wouldn’t it be great to repost this article with a brand new title…”I Always (Insert Positive Statement…) – Optimism At Its Best”? Most optimists do not need an article as a boost or reset; pessimists do. This article is intended to be an awareness article that hits pessimism straight between the eyes and shakes pessimists into a total rebirth of what can be if they change their narrative. CHANGE CAN HAPPENonce you are alive and joyous growth is possible.
Here are some practical steps the pessimist side of you, once identified, can take?
- One step is to immediately re-script the statement in your mind before blurting it out.
Example:
You are thinking, “I always make bad decisions.”
Rewrite it to “I believe I make wise decisions”; then say it aloud, preferably to someone.
Although most of us are not pessimists “by default,” there is potential for a slow-simmering pot of pessimism to begin in all of us. The key is identifying it immediately and changing the script.
2. Another step is to invest in your spiritual well-being. Spend time with God. Find scriptures that pertain to your situation, write them down, and meditate on the scriptures instead of the negative words formulating in your mind.
3. Additionally, a step could be to dive deeper and determine what event or situation caused the pessimism. Seek professional counseling for your pessimism trigger and your mental health; professional help is an investment worth the money.
What are the disadvantages of pessimism and the benefits of optimism? Why change?
Pessimism rehearses all the bad things that can happen and ruminates over the negative details. We should, instead, think on good things as outlined in Philippians 4:8 (KJV). “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Optimism, on the other hand, is rooted in faith. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Optimism leaves you refreshed and not feeling the heaviness of defeat. It tells you that you are a winner ahead of time. You can see it before you see it. There’s hope, no matter what.
There is a scripture that invites us to “choose life”. Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV), “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” We should value God’s Word that says choosing life is better than choosing death. Pessimism is akin to choosing death over your thoughts, words, and death to your vision and purpose. Therefore, choose life.
I believe my next article should be “An Ode to Optimism – The Demise of Pessimism.” Wouldn’t it be great to put pessimism to rest?
Pamela Jennings Taylor, Pelham, Alabama-based writer, is the author of the book, “From Mommy To Mentor – Parenting Adult Children”. She continues to write to inspire, encourage, and give practical steps for moving forward in life. The book can be purchased from Westbow Press, Amazon, and other online stores. Pamela can be contacted through her website at www.mommytomentor.com or directly at [email protected].
