Blind Spot – Pessimism

March 2020 was the transition from normal to not normal for all global citizens and businesses. As you continue recovery, are you feeling pessimistic or optimistic? The Oxford English Dictionary defines pessimism as “a feeling that bad things will happen and that something will not be successful”. Many senior business leaders are currently taking a pessimistic view of our current situation. With many factors to consider, the strength or weakness of the economy, the health of customers and staff, corporate earnings outlook, the stock market, the short-term realities in the workplace and human interaction, it’s easy to fall into the pessimism trap. But it does not have to be that way!

Illumination

Most of us are wired to believe that pessimism is a negative attribute. It can lead to depression, anxiety, feeling of hopelessness and defensive pessimism - lower expectations. Traits that if internalized now, will negatively impact the future of your business and personal life.

However, in our current situation, optimism could be considered the weakness. Ignoring history, reality, degrading the present and longing for the future only makes the current situation seem more hopeless.

Personally, I use pessimism as a strength to overcome the realities of what can happen in day to day life. This approach is similar to the philosophy of German Friedrich Nietzsche, who would encourage us to overcome the burdens the past.

Pessimism became a strength for me when I tore my abdominal muscles at some point between competing in the World Championships and setting two world records. The tear is a 6 to 7 inch long split up from my naval. For some pessimistic therapists and physicians, that was the end of my competitive powerlifing journey. According to the pessimistic specialists, performing certain movements and lifting very heavy weights would lead serious damage and ultimately surgery. That is, it, my journey is over.

However, embracing the wisdom and strength of pessimism and releasing the burden of time, I sought out experts who looked deep into my core strengths. A new design added to an existing foundation. A remodeling or relaunch of who I am and what I am good at.

4 years later I set a new world record weightlifting record - lifting 130,830 lbs. in 1-hour drug free, live on national TV at the age of 60!

Corporations or government agencies are no different. They need to embrace the new paradigm. They need to embrace the strength and wisdom of pessimism.

High performers embrace the moment, chaos, anxiety, and trauma. They are excited by the opportunity to change reality and not lower expectations! They find joy in the struggle to reinvent or relaunch their corporations or organizations. They embrace Blaise Pascal’s feeling that if the future alone is our end, we never live.

March 2021 will roll around in no time. Pessimism can be a blind spot if you do not use it to

illuminate the way forward. Consider the role of optimism and pessimism as you prepare for the recovery.