I am often accused of being pessimistic. The problem is that
when I am planning a new endeavor, I like to plan for unexpected contingencies.
I brain storm all the possible ways my plans can be thwarted and then plan for
what I will do if those unfortunate events should come to pass.
People who have embraced the idea of positive thinking,
think I am attracting negativity to me. I am not into the power of positive
thinking. I am a Humanist; I am into planning for success. The way I see it,
the more I am ready for the negative possibilities, the more the negative
possibilities won’t trip me up on my way forward. I am ready for them, I have
planned for them and I can overcome them.
I liken this attitude to wearing a life preserver when out
boating. Lots of people don’t wear life preservers. They don’t think they are
going to have a problem. However, I want to be prepared. I have a much better
chance of surviving a boating accident if I have a life preserver on than if I
don’t. Thinking of the negatives does not kill my enthusiasm. It has the
opposite effect. It helps me feel prepared and thus more ready to tackle my
problems.
It is only by considering the possible negatives outcomes
that I can truly make effective decisions that will minimize the potential
downside of any of my activities. Why wouldn’t I want to do that? The way I
look at it, mitigating potential problems isn’t pessimistic. It’s optimistic.
