Why are humans built to be pessimistic, and when should you be critical?

Pessimistic vs critical thinking

Though they often come across as negative and naturally evoke our defensive coping mechanism, these two ways of thinking are inherently different. Coming from different neurological purposes, criticism is not the same as pessimism:

• Definition. Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information from multiple perspectives, while pessimism is characterized by an inclination to expect negative outcomes.
• Purpose. Critical thinking aims to reach a well-informed conclusion or decision through evidence and identify flaws, while pessimism cultivates a defeatist attitude that hinders proactive behavior.
• Outcome. Critical thinkers are more likely to engage in problem-solving, leading to constructive feedback and improvement. Pessimists tend to become stuck in a cycle of negativity, resulting in hopelessness and passivity.

Simply put, both frameworks of thinking are able to spot the negatives in a situation. One of them [critical] is sprinkled with optimism, the other [pessimistic] not so much.

Scientifically, here are the reasons why pessimism might arise more often than its positive counterpart:

• Cerebral Hemispheres. Optimism is linked to the left hemisphere of the brain, associated with positive emotions and approach behaviors. Pessimism is related to the right hemisphere, processing negative emotions and withdrawal responses.
• Information Processing. Optimists focus on positive information and overlook negative cues, focusing on opportunities and hope. Pessimists pay more attention to negative information, reinforcing their cautious or defeatist attitudes.
• Neurotransmitters. The balance of neurotransmitters like dopamine is crucial for mood regulation. Higher dopamine levels are linked to positive feelings and optimism, while lower levels can lead to a negative and pessimistic outlook.

Learn more on the neural basis of optimism vs pessimism through the Research here , or more on the differences between being critical and being pessimistic here .

Critical ≠ negative

Somewhere along the line, we have associated being critical with being negative. It seems that for our criticisms and feedbacks to be heard, we are taught to be loud, stubborn, and to put aside others’ feelings.

Back to the first line of this article, there won’t be growth without any criticism. The delivery of the critics will determine how the receiver will respond and whether or not the critic itself will be beneficial to both parties.

Giving Criticism

If you struggle to find the perfect balance with being critical without being pessimistic, try out the following suggestions:

1. Remove the focus from the individual. Instead of saying, "you're not good at delivering your updates on time," reposition the criticism to something like, "I would work more efficiently if I had your updates on time."
2. Be specific. The first part of this "specifying" process is all about identifying what it is you actually want to criticize. Precisely indicate what factors and items rest at the root of your issues, and identify a key area that needs work.
3. Get to the point. Some of us are used to shielding behind ambiguity and indirect references. You may think you're softening the blow, when you're actually injecting ambiguity. Say it how it is and avoid passive-aggressive comments.
4. Frame it with compliments. This will prevent the recipient from suffering a cut to their ego. More importantly, it shows that you're paying attention to the total picture, not just one element.
5. Recognize your subjectivity. As humans, we are incapable of being 100% objective. Indicating your proneness to human error will make you appear more trustworthy. Don't deprecate yourself, but admit a degree of uncertainty.

Receiving Criticism

If you’re someone who doesn’t respond well to confrontation, you might categorize all criticisms as negative comments, making it hard to turn them into improvements.

Here are a few therapist-backed tips you should try:

1. Ask for clarification. It may feel like they're attacking you and not just your work. To get rid of the assumptions, get to the bottom of someone’s intentions. Ask questions like “Can you tell me a little more about why you see it that way?”.
2. Test-drive before rejecting. Viewing critics as an experiment you can try out for your own benefit can help you see the positives in whatever the criticism is. Then, if you don’t like how things are going, you can change course.
3. Distance yourself. Separating yourself from the thing you’re thinking about, also called cognitive defusion , can help you not take it so seriously. Try picturing the criticism as words on a screen, not in your head, and watching them go by.
4. Is it worth pushing back? Defending yourself against disapproving comments might not always be the best idea. If it’s blatantly incorrect, present them with the facts. In general, don’t lean too hard into defense mode.

Find more ways you can do to deliver criticisms without being pessimistic in the full article here , or more techniques to receive criticism productively here .

Leveraging ‘negative thoughts’

At this point, we have established that having negative thoughts about anything [not everything] is human nature. Same as other uncomfortable natural feelings like anxiety, pessimism actually serves its own purpose: protection.

In a world that forces us to ‘keep the spirit up!’ and ‘do your best!’ all the time, having a little pessimism will save you a lot of energy and could actually improve productivity.

Let’s explore the overlooked aspects of pessimism, which are surprisingly beneficial:

• Reality check. Pessimism keeps us grounded in reality. ‘Pessimists’ are not afraid to acknowledge potential downsides and prepare for them accordingly. It functions like a built-in risk management system.
• Fosters resilience. We all face setbacks, disappointments, and failures. Pessimists are no strangers to adversity—they expect it. It equips pessimists with the mental toughness to withstand hardship and come out stronger.
• Appreciation of small wins. Due to their tendency to expect the worst, pessimists often find themselves pleasantly surprised by positive outcomes. Instead of taking good things for granted, they appreciate them for the rarities they are.
• Empathy booster. When you’re used to expecting and dealing with hardships, you develop a greater sense of compassion for others going through tough times. It allows us to connect and to offer support that’s rooted in shared experiences.
• Protective shield. Expecting the worst can guard us against the harsh blows of disappointment, failure, and loss. It’s like having an emotional cushion that softens the impact of life’s adversities.

Whenever negative thoughts pop up, you have the ability to stir them around to reach the beneficial destinations above. Read more on the benefits of pessimism here .

Would you consider yourself more of a pessimist, or an optimist?

Balance is key when it comes to maintaining productivity. Too much criticism will just backfire. Likewise, too much positivity won’t get you anywhere either.

Keep them equal, and you’ll get your productivity boosted!

See you next Monday for more.