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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 somber is your all-time favorite flavor. Pessimism has taken over your life.

I strongly 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, however, do not need an article as a boost or to reset; pessimists do. This is an awareness article to hit the pessimist straight between the eyes and shake them into a total rebirth of what can be, if they change their narrative. This can be done. If you are still living, change and positive growth are possible.

What are some practical steps that the pessimist side of you, once identified, can take?

One step can be 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 I’m not a pessimist “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.

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 them, instead of the negative words formulating in your mind.

Additionally, a step could be to dive deeper and determine what event or situation caused the pessimism. Seek professional counseling for your mental health, as this could be an investment worth the money.

What are the negative outcomes of pessimism and benefits of optimism? Why change?

Pessimism rehearses all of the bad things that can happen, and ruminates over the negative details. We should, instead, think on good things. As it reads 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. According to Hebrews 11:1 (KJV), “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, your words and in turn, death to your vision and purpose. Therefore, choose life. I believe that my next article can be rewritten, as “An Ode to Optimism – The Demise of Pessimism.” Wouldn’t it be great to finally put pessimism to rest?