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Positive and Negative thinking
Thinking positively can hinder people from realizing their goals.
At the same time, pessimists can become paralyzed by stress and fail to take action while those who are overwhelmingly positive are unlikely to experience stress or anxiety.
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"Looking on the bright side" is advise that is seldom helpful.
When people think negatively, they can turn their anxiety into action. They take more time to prepare for the worst-case scenarios.
- Strategic optimists: They will perform better if they do something positive before they complete their tasks.
- Defensive pessimists: They are more likely to perform positively if they visualize failure before they complete their tasks.
These two groups succeed best under different circumstances.
To get the best out of a positive and negative mindset, visualize the best possible outcome while planning for the worst-case scenario.
Meditation is another way to direct your thought patterns by creating a separation between yourself and your thoughts.
We will encounter many problems along the way, but a good mindset will lead to mental wellness and productivity.
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While anticipating and taking preventive action towards an infectious disease, or taking the necessary steps to get better, the coping strategy of a defensive pessimist far surpasses an optimist.
The pessimist is able to steer through the problem by anticipating future pitfalls and taking the required action, while an optimist might ignore or overlook the same.
Pessimists are good role models for those who are "yes men".
If you only have around you people that agree with you, you are being set up for failure.
- Research found that defensive pessimists will do best when they can think through possible negative outcomes.
- Strategic optimists will do best when they avoid thinking about possible negative outcomes.
Pessimism can have positive effects. If you are an anxious person, try both strategies and see what works best for you.