Optimists generally approach life with a positive outlook, while pessimists tend to expect the worst. Optimists go into new situations with high expectations, while pessimists keep low expectations to prepare for negative outcomes. And don’t worry about the optimist in the comic: true optimists don’t mind failure.

Pessimism is defined by the American Psychological Association as “the attitude that things will go wrong and that people’s wishes or aims are unlikely to be fulfilled.”1 A person with a pessimistic personality tends toward a more negative—or some might say, realistic—view of life.

Optimism refers to a hopeful disposition or a general belief that good things will happen, whereas pessimism describes a general expectation that bad things will happen.

Defensive pessimism is a strategy used by anxious people to help them manage their anxiety so they can work productively. Defensive pessimists lower their expectations to help prepare themselves for the worst. Then, they mentally play through all the bad things that might happen.

How to Stop Being Pessimistic: 10 Positive Thinking Tips

1. Start replacing the negativity in your surroundings and life.
2. When you’re in what looks like a negative situation, find what’s good or helpful about it.
3. Work out regularly.
4. Stop making mountains out of a molehill.
5. Be grateful for a few of the things you may often take for granted.

Do: Find the source of the pessimism….Here are three approaches to managing negative behavior:

1. Create awareness.
2. Reposition negative statements.
3. Involve the whole team.

Pessimism nor optimism are classified alone as mental disorders. However, being too pessimistic or too optimistic can have negative effects on our mental health and exacerbate certain mental illnesses/issues.