Always thinking about the worst-case scenario and contemplating coping strategies; is it necessarily a psychological issue?

Before we get into the answer, let's look at an example.

Let's say a person has regular check-ups, but he always tends to worry about the worst-case scenario, like being diagnosed with a serious illness. This worry might make him take more preventive measures, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, etc.

On top of that, he might be more likely to notice changes in early symptoms and get medical attention sooner, so he can catch and treat potential health problems early on.

By thinking about the worst-case scenario and how to deal with it, the person may be more likely to pay attention to their health and take positive steps to reduce the risk of illness. They may make healthier lifestyle choices and seek medical help when needed, which can improve their overall health and wellbeing.

However, if this worry is out of proportion, it can lead to excessive anxiety and fear, which can even affect daily life and emotional state. In this case, it's important to find a balance, which means rationally dealing with possible risks while maintaining an optimistic attitude to avoid the negative effects of excessive worry.

This example shows why it's important to think this way about personal health. It's good to pay attention to health risks and take appropriate measures, but we need to be careful to maintain a balance and avoid the negative effects of excessive anxiety and worry.

So when someone is always thinking the worst and planning for the worst, it might be because they're worried about the future and what challenges might come up. This way of thinking is often called "defensive pessimism." It's a way to protect yourself from the unknown and difficult situations.

On the other hand, we can also look at this way of thinking from another perspective.

First, thinking about the worst-case scenario and how to handle it might be based on past experiences and lessons learned, which helps us better prepare for possible future problems. By thinking about the worst-case scenario, we can more fully assess the risks and prepare for countermeasures.

This way of thinking can help us feel less anxious when we're uncertain, give us a sense of control over things we don't know, and help us feel less afraid and uneasy when we're facing challenges.

Second, this way of thinking also shows that you're taking responsibility for what happens and how you respond to it. By thinking about the worst case scenario, you can plan ahead and be ready to respond quickly if something unexpected happens.

This way of thinking helps us deal with problems in a more mature way, and it also improves our problem-solving skills and resilience.

On the other hand, thinking about the worst-case scenario and how to handle it can also give you a sense of practical satisfaction. When things don't turn out that way, you feel a sense of relief and happiness.

This emotional release can give us more confidence in life and help us face future challenges in a positive way.

On the other hand, while this way of thinking has its upsides, it's also important to be aware of its possible downsides. Overemphasizing the worst possible outcome may lead to excessive anxiety and even become a psychological burden that affects daily life and quality of life.

On top of that, pessimistic thinking over a long period of time can also affect how we interact with others and how involved we are in social activities.

It's important to find a balance between being prepared for the worst and staying optimistic about the future.

It's also a good idea to seek professional help and support when this way of thinking starts to affect your emotional state and quality of life.

Overall, worrying about the worst-case scenario isn't necessarily a problem. It's just how people think about the future and challenges. But for individuals, it's important to maintain a positive outlook, find a balance between positive and negative thinking, and seek help when needed to maintain mental health and a good quality of life.

The adage "think about failure before success" is a fundamental tenet of the art of war, wherein risk assessment is conducted with the "preservation of self as the first principle." In essence, this entails a critical examination of the potential gains and losses associated with a given course of action. It prompts a fundamental question: Is the anticipated benefit commensurate with the risk of loss? Is the endeavor worth pursuing?

In one's daily life, it is primarily concerned with the analysis, speculation, and prediction of specific problems. Additionally, it reflects the comprehensiveness of the issues considered and the thoroughness of the measures taken.

You have only mentioned considering the worst possible outcome. Have you ever considered the best possible outcome? If attention and focus are placed on defeat rather than victory, it is inevitable that one will feel depressed. Conversely, focusing on defeat is also likely to result in a lack of foresight and rash actions.

In regard to problems, it is essential to consider a range of potential outcomes, conduct a comprehensive and objective assessment, and make a calm and accurate judgment. This approach enables more effective coping with the situation and facilitates progress towards the desired outcome. From this result-oriented perspective, excessive defensiveness hinders the initiative of offense, which is arguably a pessimistic stance.

Secondly, the adage "Man proposes, God disposes" is often invoked in such circumstances. It is not sufficient to merely await the outcome; if there is no feasible recourse, as in the case of the lottery, then one can only hypothesize about the result based on past experience.

However, the majority of circumstances can be planned for and worked on, and there is always the possibility of initiating a turnaround or even assuming control. The distinction between optimism and pessimism may be the difference in personal initiative and motivation, the difference in effort put into the desired outcome, and, of course, the difference in acceptance and resilience after things have gone beyond repair.

It is evident that you have a clear understanding and expectation of the concept that success depends on the Heavens. However, it appears that you have overlooked the part that says "man proposes, but God disposes."

Thirdly, there is an adage that posits that "people are divided into three classes, and things have priorities." While this may not be entirely accurate in the context of the present discussion, it can nevertheless be employed to illustrate a point. It is an inescapable fact that people are naturally different from each other. There is therefore nothing inherently problematic about a preference for either winning or losing. Rather, it is a matter of personal character and a proclivity for acting in either an aggressive or a conservative manner. It is therefore erroneous to equate this with either pessimism or optimism.

Furthermore, it is a comprehensive, objective, and accurate assessment of the "priorities" of things, that is, the possible probability of victory or defeat, or the probability of the possible outcome. Based on the facts of the problem, if one can maintain confidence and determination to perform to the best of one's abilities and then accept the outcome of any result in a calm manner, then one cannot be accused of being "pessimistic."

It is my sincere hope that you will find happiness.

Hello question asker

It's good to think about the worst that could happen and plan for it. This can help you avoid accidents and keep your spirits up.

You also said this attitude makes you feel down.

There are two questions to explore:

1. How long does it take for you to feel down? 2. When you think about the worst, do you feel good?

3. Are you most productive when you are in a low mood or when you are passionate?

First, let's agree that you're doing this to better deal with unexpected situations in the future.

You want to plan an outdoor team-building activity for tomorrow. It might be sunny or stormy. What would you choose?

I'm worried about the rain and don't want to plan the team-building activities.

2. Plan two different plans in a short time.

3. Don't worry about rain. Plan the best sunny activity and invest the funds.

...

...

Which would you choose? Is there a better way?

No matter what, there are risks. What matters is what you want, whether it's the best result or safety.

Would you check the weather before making a choice?

Best wishes!

Hello. I can relate to your thoughts. Many people worry to varying degrees when faced with problems, especially those that have a greater impact on the individual. It's natural to consider the possibilities and prepare for them.

It is also supported by psychology, as our brain works with a "preference for certainty" and "aversion to loss." The preference for certainty is to feel in control and therefore safe, while the fear of risk is related to our natural aversion to loss.

In life, we often say, "It's not the ten thousand that we fear, but the one that scares us." Even if the probability of something happening is very small, our brain will still catch this "uncertainty" and alert us.

It may be helpful to consider that anticipating the worst possible outcome and developing a corresponding strategy and preparations in advance can serve as a fallback plan for yourself, protecting you from sudden and difficult blows. The goal is to achieve a sense of preparedness and resilience in the face of challenges. This approach can offer a form of self-protection and a mental boost, reminding you of your capacity to navigate problems and overcome difficulties.

I believe there are clear benefits to this way of thinking.

However, if you feel that anticipating the worst outcome is too emotionally stressful, you might consider building a little flexibility into your original path. First, you may wish to find confirmation from past experiences that even in the worst case, life will go on and my growth will never stop.

Even if something unfortunate occurs, it is not necessarily a cause for concern.

There is a psychological approach called Morita therapy whose ideas may be helpful to consider: allowing things to be as they are and focusing on the tasks at hand. Allowing things to be does not imply inaction, but rather a recognition that even in challenging circumstances, life continues and there is value in simply doing what is necessary, embracing the outcome, and moving forward.

Perhaps we could say that to do what needs to be done means to focus on the things we want to do and not be overly distracted by the things we fear.

Additionally, it can be beneficial to allow some aspects of life to become less structured. We can utilize the exposure method from cognitive behavioral psychology to identify smaller issues and try to let go and allow things to unfold naturally.

When we recognize that we have the capacity to cultivate our psychological resilience, we can continue to anticipate, prepare for, and prevent challenges, while perhaps experiencing a sense of greater control.

Hello, I am Xin Tan, Coach Xiufu. I am here to give you advice.

From your description, it's clear that your personal approach to problems is unique. You tend to think about the worst outcome first when you do something.

After your interview, your parents and friends will tell you to be more positive and think of the bright side. They'll say you should stop preparing for the worst.

You are suspicious that your views and ideas are a psychological problem. They are not.

If it's a psychological problem, it depends on whether the method you use makes you feel uncomfortable.

When the problem occurs, you predict the worst outcome. How do you feel after making that prediction? You said your mood will be low as a result.

You feel down because you regard this matter as a failure and think it cannot be achieved. You feel that the probability of success is low, which is why you feel bad.

You may also feel that if we don't make a preliminary judgment, we'll be at a loss as to what to do or miss the best opportunity to solve the problem.

The truth is, we have no way of judging the unknown. That's why we first hypothesize about the bad outcomes that will happen in the future—to give ourselves a plan B.

Is this not what you truly believe in order to emerge unscathed or to make something a success?

You're absolutely right. When you want to make something successful, it's crucial to identify and deal with potential problems as much as possible. But as you said, life is a three-dimensional world! Accidents will happen, but can we possibly think of every possible accident?

I don't believe it's possible to think about it so comprehensively.

You can look at things this way: if we do this thing, we predict the worst outcome first and come up with a lot of solutions.

And when this happened, it didn't go the way we planned, but instead went to plan C. I'm sure you've had similar experiences.

Tell me how you felt at the time. Did you feel you should have thought about Plan B more thoroughly?

You will then improve your perspective on other events as much as possible and be more demanding of yourself.

Tell me, is this a realistic situation for you? I want to know more.

Now is your chance to ask a question. First, think back on the past. How many times did the worst outcome of a plan happen as we had planned? How many times did it not go as we had planned?

What is the approximate percentage?

We can determine whether this situation is appropriate for you based on the reality of what has happened. As I said at the beginning, when you engage in this kind of behavior, are you happy inside?

This is a reliable way to determine whether it's necessary and appropriate for us to do so.

Your family and friends all think you should relax. So, when did you start thinking this way? How did it begin?

Tell me: is there an event that made you feel you had to plan and predict the worst outcome?

Tell me, is there something you have not thought through thoroughly, that you have missed an opportunity because of it, and that you regret and blame yourself for?

This is how you'll find your true self and judge yourself.

Finally, I want to be clear that you have practical experience and a sense of it. When the end result is better than expected and the worst result does not happen, you will feel relief and happiness.

I want to know if you believe that relief and happiness only arise in this situation.

You started out by making yourself unhappy. Then, you decided how much relief and happiness you would feel later based on your own keen perspective, careful planning, and ideas.

If we are, you should take a moment to reflect and see if you feel tired.

Or are you prepared to accept this state of affairs for the foreseeable future? Let me suggest another assumption. Adjust your perspective on things.

This is my advice, and I stand by it.

For example, when faced with something that we may not be good at but want to try, we must decide what kind of result we hope for. We must decide what conditions we need to have in place to accomplish it. We must decide what we want to achieve.

What kind of deviation is possible? Is the deviation something we can afford?

If this fails, we must accept it. We must understand what failure means to us.

Use something you have recently experienced or something you are planning to do to become self-aware.

This will change your mindset.

If your usual approach is to think about the worst outcome first and then make plans, and you have always been able to accept it, you may feel a little let down, but it is within manageable limits. In that case, I would not force you to adjust your approach.

After all, everyone sees things differently, and everyone is at a different stage. If this method is right for you, there's no problem.

I can give you another way of thinking as a reference if it helps you.

Based on the above, think about it. If you have any questions or want to continue the discussion,

Click my personal homepage to ask me questions about the organized text. I will help you solve your problems in more detail and in a targeted manner.

I am confident that our joint efforts will result in positive changes and adjustments to your personal situation.

I look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best.

Dear Sir/Madam, I am pleased to have this opportunity to respond to your question and hope that my input will be of assistance to you.

The questioner's description is reminiscent of Kazuo Inamori's adage, "Think optimistically, plan pessimistically, execute optimistically."

From this perspective, the questioner has demonstrated a high level of competence in this aspect of the plan.

Pessimism does not inherently indicate internal conflict. In my view, pessimism is a strategic approach. It can be an effective tool when developing plans. The three aspects identified by the questioner are useful for maintaining consistent progress. Mentally, the objective is to gain clarity, maintain composure, and approach situations with confidence.

It is difficult to determine whether this is an effective use of energy. It is challenging to determine the most appropriate course of action, and there is no clear outcome. This approach may result in wasted effort and a lack of direction.

"Mood will also be low as a result."

The questioner may wish to consider incorporating an element of optimism into the planning process, viewing the pessimistic plan as an integral part of the strategy.

There is no need for a complete change of approach; rather, a more flexible strategy is required.

It is possible that when we talk to friends and family, they will focus on our low mood and not on our thoughtful plan. This can be disappointing.

This approach also allows the individual to evaluate the merits of their own actions. It fosters self-awareness, enabling them to express their genuine thoughts and feelings when interacting with others who may be inclined to offer comfort and assistance. Furthermore, it facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the individual and their perspective.

By consistently expressing yourself and being yourself, you will gain greater acceptance, confidence, peace, and openness. This will also lead to increased satisfaction among family and friends.

Adults do not engage in debates about right and wrong; rather, they focus on meeting each other's needs. The questioner may seek recognition, while the other party may desire a sense of worth through helping others.

If we can identify and meet each other's needs, the conversation may be more productive and enjoyable. Going back to the scenario described,

For example, if the other person makes a compliment such as "You're amazing, you can think of everything!" or "You're so Versailles, you're so downhearted despite being so thoughtful, if I were you, I'd just wait for the flowers to bloom, haha?,"...

The questioner can also respond with a positive affirmation, such as "You're so good at encouraging people, I'm not down at all now!" or "Thank you, dear."

It is important to cultivate relationships, trust, and demonstrate love in order to receive these positive qualities in return.

I hope this information is helpful. Best regards, [Name]

This phenomenon is often incorrectly called "pessimism" or "defensive pessimism." In reality, it is a risk management strategy.

1. **Preparation for worst-case scenarios**: Consider the worst-case scenario and develop a plan to deal with it. This approach is a risk assessment and management technique that reduces uncertainty and anxiety.

2. **Realistic outlook**: You make it clear that life is full of uncertainties, that the unexpected does happen, and that one must be prepared for the unexpected. This realistic attitude helps them to stay alert and prepared for anything that may happen.

3. Emotion management: This way of thinking may lead to short-term emotional downturn, but they will feel very relieved and happy if the final result is better than expected. They use this strategy as a means of emotional regulation to reduce the possibility of disappointment by lowering expectations.

Your way of thinking is a psychological defense mechanism that helps you maintain control and preparedness when facing negative events. This is not pessimism; it is a practical method of preparing your mind to cope with challenges.

Hello, question asker. I see the confusion you're facing, and I'm here to help.

Your current problem is likely related to your past experiences.

It is likely that in the past, when you encountered problems, you often had the worst possible outcome in mind.

This will cause you to think, "The result will definitely be bad again," whenever you encounter a problem in the future.

Of course, another perspective is that if you want the result to be good, it is good.

If it ends badly, it's bad.

There is another possibility.

When you had problems growing up, you talked to your parents about them. They often analyzed the bad things first, not the good things.

You will feel that whenever something happens, you should think about the bad things first as a result of being influenced by them for a long time.

Your current problems can be changed.

For example, focus on what you have now, not what you don't have.

There is, of course, another situation.

This means that you have become pessimistic and negative as a result of experiencing a certain stimulus.

In that case, you should definitely seek help from a professional counselor.

I am confident that you will find a solution to your problem soon.

That's all I have to say on the matter.

I am confident that my above answer is helpful and inspiring to you, the questioner. As the answerer, I can assure you that I study hard every day.

Here at Yixinli, the world and I love you. Best wishes!

I am confident that I can help you.

Hello, questioner! You are absolutely right in your thinking. I couldn't agree with you more! We should always hope for the best, do our best, and prepare for the worst. As the saying goes, "Born in trouble, die in peace," we need to be prepared for the future.

This isn't pessimism. It's simply anticipating the outcome and formulating a corresponding strategy!

But if the whole universe is conspiring to make you spill your milk, worrying about it beforehand is useless. If anything can or cannot happen, it means that we can never be sure of the outcome — and that's what makes life exciting!

Life is full of surprises! And while we can't anticipate every single one, we can learn to accept them with an open mind.

This way of thinking of yours may be a kind of over-caution. Perhaps, in the eyes of your parents, there is no need to think so much at a young age — but you're young, and you have plenty of time to figure out what you need to do!

If you deliberately think about the worst-case scenario, it is possible that this is a typical obsessive thought, which falls into the category of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Whenever you encounter stress, obsessive thoughts may make you feel anxious and even fearful – but you can take control!

When you feel down, it's not really a problem at all! It's just an emotional experience. It can cause you to focus excessively on a certain thing or detail and think about it over and over again, which can be very stressful.

The internal conflict at this time often comes from the internal conflict between the desire to pursue a perfect solution and the fear of making mistakes. But you can overcome this!

Whenever this happens, you can try to distract yourself by doing something you're interested in or chatting with friends. For ordinary people, we cannot predict the development of things, but when problems really happen, it is enough that we can take effective measures and respond positively—and you can do it too!

Wishing you the very best!

Good morning, my name is Coach Yu, and I would like to discuss this topic with you.

It is often said that it is not the 10,000 things we fear that cause us the most trouble, but rather the one thing that scares us the most. While it is true that more than 90% of the things we anticipate will not happen, there are still occasions when an accident will catch us off guard and become a lifelong regret.

In response to the original poster's question about whether it's a psychological issue to consistently anticipate the worst outcome and plan for how to address it, I can say with confidence that it's not.

At the same time, the questioner also mentioned that when they prepare for the future, their mood may also be affected. Let's consider emotions. Emotions are composed of unique subjective experiences, external manifestations, and physiological arousal. Each emotion may be a result of an unmet internal desire.

It is natural to feel a range of emotions when we miss the chance to get a promotion or a pay rise, or when we lose a treasured possession that we have had for many years.

Perhaps it would be helpful to consider what we think when we are feeling down, and what emotions and feelings this brings us.

Perhaps it would be helpful to ask ourselves what we need most when we are feeling down.

Perhaps it would be helpful to consider what someone close to us might say in response to our current low mood.

We can also try to recall our childhood. When you first started to toddle or hold chopsticks to eat, were you interrupted and stopped countless times by your mother's worries and anxieties and fears of dire consequences? Over time, we may judge ourselves for things we don't know, that is, "I can't do it well." At this time, our self-efficacy may gradually become a problem, so that we become vulnerable as adults, limiting our self-confidence, and thus relying more on external voices to influence our own evaluation.

It's important to remember that all emotions are neither good nor bad in themselves. When we feel down, we can try to record what our feelings are at the moment, or name the emotions we're experiencing. Your writing is only for yourself, so please feel free to write about your feelings honestly. This can help us understand the causes and effects of emotions, as well as help us clarify the root of the problem.

Next, let's consider the concept of acceptance. We all have imperfections and aspects of ourselves that we may not fully embrace. These are often referred to as our "dark sides." It's not uncommon for those around us to have difficulty accepting these aspects of ourselves, and we may even find it challenging to confront them within ourselves. In response, we may resort to putting on a mask, trying to be someone else's ideal self, but this can lead to feelings of exhaustion and a desire for change.

Perhaps it would be helpful to consider what we might understand by the term "ideal self."

Perhaps it would be helpful to consider what we can do to become the best version of ourselves.

We can set goals for ourselves that follow the SMART principle, taking into account practical circumstances and objective factors, and break down big goals into small ones. This may help us to feel more in control and more effective, which could give us the signal that "I can do it," boost our self-confidence, and build up our sense of achievement. We could start with simple small tasks, and achieving a breakthrough may just break a cycle. At the same time, we could give ourselves a reward in time, whether it's treating ourselves to a nice meal or buying ourselves a small gift. We could try to connect learning with a sense of happiness to form a virtuous cycle and positive reinforcement.

It would be beneficial to remember to love yourself. It is important to be aware that negative emotions can impact our lives, but it is encouraging to know that the original poster was able to identify their emotions and seek help from the platform. It is a good idea to start by caring for ourselves, taking care of our bodies and our feelings.

If you feel you need help, you can also seek the support of a family member or friend you trust. If you feel the need, you can also find a counselor, as it can be helpful to talk through your emotions with someone who can provide positive support.

It would be beneficial for us to affirm ourselves, empower ourselves, enrich our knowledge, and enhance our inner being. When our core is stable, we will be better equipped to face life confidently and achieve the desired results.

I would like to suggest the book The Power of Now as a recommended read.

Hello, I'm Shelley, your friendly career coach!

I read your message very carefully and I can feel the kind of struggle you're going through. It's like you feel like there's a problem with you, but you don't understand why others always think that there is a problem with you. I suspect that this kind of struggle does sometimes trouble you, and it makes you somewhat self-doubting.

❣️Of course, this is just one possibility, and I'm sure you have your own more accurate explanation. Because of the limitations of the Q&A format, we didn't get to hear your response right away. Don't worry, though! We'll assume this possibility and see if, by sorting through it, you might be able to find your own way out of the dilemma.

❣️If you're feeling this way, you're actually trying to find a balance between being "prepared for the future" and being "worried about the future." Both are actions that are taken when you're feeling afraid of the "future" or the "unknown."

Just as big companies have a risk control department that prevents problems from arising by avoiding problems in areas such as finance, law, or public relations, it's a good idea because we can't be experts in everything. People in the sales department, for example, can't understand every legal, financial, or public relations risk. So with their protection, the company will be able to plan for the future. Similarly, the formulation of company rules and regulations also belongs to the same type of precaution.

But, when it goes too far, it can feel like "worried about the sky falling," trapped by hypothetical possibilities. For example, in order to avoid employees being late for work or leaving early, a strict attendance and punch card system is set up, but this is only seen from the perspective of how to eliminate, rather than from the perspective of how to motivate. Or in order to avoid being exposed online, all exposure on the internet is eliminated, etc. This is obviously an excessive approach because of the desire for a sense of security against the unknown, even to the detriment of the present life.

❣️It's totally normal to have some doubts about yourself right now, especially when you're getting feedback from your parents and friends. This could be a great chance to figure out where this sensitivity and fear of the unknown comes from. How can you give your restless heart the comfort and protection it needs? If you want to, you can even explore this with a counselor trained in a psychodynamic school. It's always a good idea to try to understand yourself better. Find a balance between being prepared for the future and worrying about nothing...

Hello, I'm Luyao. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing the three reasons you gave for not being pessimistic. I really appreciate your way of thinking and I can see how your anticipation and handling of the worst possible outcome is actually a sign of rationality and maturity.

You've got this! You clearly know what to do in various situations, which is so helpful in dealing with life. The three-dimensional world is indeed full of uncertainty, and that's also part of the charm of life.

Your way of thinking is so wise! It takes into account unexpected situations and leaves room for you to respond.

I totally get where you're coming from with your concern that this might be seen as pessimistic or self-defeating. I admire your cautious and responsible attitude towards life. It's great that you want to be prepared for possible accidents and not let yourself feel too out of control. This is something I can really relate to and has made me think deeply about my own approach to dealing with things. Thank you for your indirect energy guidance.

This prudence and responsibility of yours is actually a great way to maintain your emotional health. When the end result is better than expected, you'll feel a wonderful sense of relief, which is a positive emotion and a sign of hope for life.

I totally get it. Your way of thinking isn't pessimistic or self-defeating. It's just a sensible, mature, and responsible approach to life. If you feel stressed or troubled, try relaxing and adjusting with some exercise, meditation, or talking to friends.

All our emotions, whether they come from the outside or the inside, are just projections of our own hearts and minds. There is no one else in the world, and at the same time, you are also loved by the universe. Your emotional health is just as important as anything else. There is no need to set limits on your body and mind. Just accept everything you perceive as "good and bad" for you. You deserve all the good things in life!

From your description, I can see that our personalities, ways of dealing with things, and thinking habits are the same. I understand why you are in this state.

I understand the advice your friends and family give you. They do have our best interests at heart.

I believe this means they want us to stop considering the worst outcome for everything and to make us less self-defeating.

We always anticipate the worst outcome and then think of ways to deal with it, which inevitably leads to a low mood.

The first half of the previous part is completely feasible, but the latter will also cause a low mood. This is something we can and should adjust.

We must not change our thinking habits and habits. We must imagine the worst consequences of an event and think of a solution. We must promptly adjust our emotional state and, before the event occurs, avoid excessive internal conflict that affects our physical and mental health.

Our current situation is not a psychological problem. It is simply a normal situation. There is no right or wrong in terms of habits and personalities. Only what suits us is completely feasible.

Therefore, we can and should maintain this habit: when something happens, we can prepare for the worst and think of a solution. This way, when something happens, no matter what the outcome is, we can handle it with ease and be better able to solve the problem.

In this process, you must promptly perceive your emotional state and adjust it to better cope with unexpected events and daily trivia that may occur in life.

Your friends and family want you to be positive and optimistic about problems and enjoy life.

You will find a way to regulate your emotions. Solving problems will help you maintain a stable emotional state.

Hello!

Hi, I'm Kelly Shui!

I'm wondering if it's a psychological problem to always think of the worst outcome and the means to deal with it when doing something.

After reading the original poster's text, I feel that you are a girl who plans ahead. As the old saying goes, "He who fails to plan, plans to fail." I think that's a great way of looking at it!

I really think it's a good thing that we consider things more thoroughly!

[About emotions]

The questioner mentioned that they...

When problems come up, I always try to think about the worst-case scenario first and then come up with ways to deal with it. I guess you could say I'm a bit of a pessimist! But it does make me feel pretty down when things don't go the way I expect.

This is just an assumption, but what if things aren't so bad? What if it's a good outcome?

I think it would make us feel better, don't you?

It's like when we take an exam. Some people always think that I must have done badly, even if I come fifth. He may feel that this result is bad because he came fifth, and that's okay!

If he thinks to himself when taking an exam that he is sure to do well, but ends up in fifth place, does he tell himself that he is just as good as the students behind him, or that he is better than he was before?

Often, our thoughts are just thoughts. If we talk to our parents and they feel that you are so pessimistic at a young age, what do you feel at that time? It's okay to feel this way. We all have moments where we feel down.

Maybe you confided in your parents, who you trust and love the most, and just needed a little of their love and encouragement?

I'd love to know how you'd feel if someone told you that you were already very good and that you were the best in their eyes!

We all want our parents to love us and think we're the best, but sometimes we don't get that ideal response. It's only natural to feel disappointed when that happens.

At this time, it's a great idea to try to be aware of ourselves and explore our inner needs.

If our parents can't understand, who can we turn to?

I'd like to ask you a question. Are you willing to say a few kind words to yourself to affirm and appreciate yourself?

At this time, we are ready and willing to say some loving words to ourselves to affirm and appreciate ourselves.

Or do you see eye to eye with your folks on everything?

Your friends are there for you, ready to help you learn to relax and let go of any internal conflict.

I bet you're also someone who knows how to relax, get along with yourself, and even experience internal conflict.

It's only when we've really felt these things that we'll understand what internal conflict is all about. And there are things in our lives that can help us to understand and accept the internal conflict of others, including ourselves.

Just as daydreaming is an experience, I personally feel that no matter what I think or what others think, as long as we know our own emotions and the emotions of others, we will gradually be able to separate the issues. And that's okay!

No matter what the process of growth may be, it's all part of the natural order of things, just like the confusion of puberty, the desire for recognition from others, and so on.

[About you]

You have your own way of thinking, and you know that this isn't pessimism or internal conflict. It's a great realization! It's just a way of thinking in the moment.

You know, everyone is always changing and growing. If you didn't think this way, you wouldn't have written down the question. You're a great communicator and thinker, and you're always looking for ways to improve.

I totally agree with you on this one!

I'm so happy to hear your reasons!

1. If you know how to respond and deal with the worst possible outcome, then you'll be able to handle other things that happen without being caught off guard.

2: Life is a three-dimensional world, not a novel or a movie. Accidents do happen, and that's okay! We all have to learn to deal with them.

3. And if everything goes well and nothing bad happens, you'll feel so relieved and happy!

I really appreciate these views! They've taught me a lot. We can also appreciate ourselves a little more. It's great to think independently and have our own opinions!

As we grow up and our perspectives evolve, these ideas become part of our evolving selves. And I'm so grateful for you, always exploring and growing.

I'd highly recommend reading "The Theory of Personal Formation," "The Me I'm Becoming," and "Fearless Anxiety."

Hello, I'm Xin Tan, Coach Fei Yun. Life is a journey to grow.

I'm happy to talk about this with you. Everything has two sides, which shows how deep Chinese culture is. Just as the "golden mean" is not compromise, it is about making the best choice in a complex space-time with many options, with a proactive attitude and following the laws of nature.

1. You're not wrong.

If you think the worst, you won't be passive. As you said, if it's better than expected, you're an optimist.

When a problem arises, you first think of the worst outcome and then deal with it.

You look at things from different points of view. You can predict the worst, so you can think of better or slightly better options.

Your friends' judgments of you are not always correct.

When a friend says you are pessimistic, they are judging you based on their own feelings. This is their opinion, but it is not the truth. You are not pessimistic or negative.

Everyone sees things from their own perspective and judges others based on their opinions and feelings. Having values means having judgments, which are beliefs.

Zhuangzi said, "You're not a fish, so you can't know how a fish feels." Friends aren't you, so they can't know your feelings.

3. Finally, let's look at optimism and pessimism.

Whether you are optimistic or pessimistic, it's just a pattern. There's no good or bad, and patterns can be helpful.

The difference is in how they think about time, what is unique to them, and their behavior and character.

Pessimist:

(1) See difficulties as long-term and permanent; see the good as temporary.

(2) They see difficulties as normal and good things as rare.

(3) They believe their achievements are due to skill, not talent. They attribute their mistakes to lack of ability and human problems.

Optimistic people:

(1) They see difficulties as temporary and good things as long-term.

(2) They see difficulties as one-off and the good as normal.

(3) I believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Mistakes are just lessons.

Optimism and pessimism are ways of life. The difference is feeling secure.

Optimists focus on the good because they feel secure.

Pessimists focus on the negative because they feel insecure.

If you can make someone feel secure, you can turn a pessimist into an optimist.

It's fine to be a pessimist as long as you're comfortable with yourself. You don't need to worry about what others think.

I hope this helps. I love you.

To continue the conversation, follow my personal page, "Heart Exploration Service."

When something goes wrong, it's not necessarily a problem if you always think of the worst outcome first!

The good news is that you can judge whether or not you're catastrophizing by whether or not you have a huge fear in your heart when thinking about the worst possible outcome.

If you do, it may be a case of catastrophizing, with a strong sense of insecurity and a strong defense mechanism. But don't worry! There's a simple solution.

If not, you have the courage to face difficulties and the ability to resist risks!

When you do something, and problems arise, it is always a great idea to be willing to anticipate the worst outcome first and think of ways to deal with it!

The great news is that early research and response can reduce sudden losses and prevent psychological shocks!

When you accept the worst-case scenario and use it as motivation to make improvements, you'll feel a sense of security. It's like building a stepping stone for your future!

The unknown is exciting! It brings a certain thrill to our lives. But it can also bring some anxiety. So, let's embrace the unknown and all the possibilities it brings!

And the great news is that doing more assessments, more preparation, and more planning can reduce unknown anxiety!

When you think about the worst possible outcome and the means to deal with it, you may feel depressed. But don't worry! If this feeling only lasts for a moment or a few days, it is totally fine, and it is just an emotional problem.

The great news is that emotions can affect mood, but they don't necessarily lead to psychological problems!

Your parents think you're pessimistic, but your friends tell you to relax and stop being so negative! It seems like everyone is telling you to be more positive!

But if you don't deal with your emotional problems, how can you change your mood all of a sudden?

This pain of being misunderstood and the blockage of not being accepted can actually lead to internal conflict—but it can also lead to a positive change!

We all seek to avoid harm and seek out benefits. And who wouldn't want to be happy when faced with a bad outcome?

When you voice your worries, if you can get comfort and encouragement, you may not worry so much about the bad outcome, right? And that's a great thing!

Therefore, you feel that this way of thinking is anything but pessimistic or self-defeating. You have summed up three excellent reasons that make people feel that you are rational, capable of handling things, and have a sense of precaution. You can accept changes and are not fixed on a certain outcome.

If you continue to follow this logic, your life will be an incredible roller coaster ride, with a bitter start and a sweet end!

As long as you don't dwell on the bad mood caused by those expected bad results for a long time, it's totally normal to feel a little down for a few days. But then, you'll be back to your usual, happy self in no time!

That's the end of the story!

I'm Yan Guilai, a psychological counselor, and I'm thrilled to be your guide on this incredible journey of self-discovery and truth-seeking!

Good morning,

Additionally, I have a psychological tendency to anticipate the worst possible outcome and to consider the most effective ways to address it.

This is an ideal opportunity to conduct a thorough analysis and discussion of the situation for your reference.

This psychological habit or thinking pattern can be classified as a kind of psychological reaction, which is commonly referred to as "worst expectations" or "disaster thinking" in psychological literature.

It is, in essence, a cognitive bias wherein an individual tends to adopt a negative and pessimistic outlook towards future or current situations, predicting the worst outcome.

This way of thinking results in an excessive focus on potential threats, dangers, or failures, while positive outcomes are often overlooked or underestimated.

For example, some common thinking patterns include over-pessimism, exaggeration, and generalizing from a few examples.

It is recommended that you take the time to reflect on your own experiences. If you frequently experience feelings of unease and concern in your daily life, it is possible that you may be inclined to anticipate the worst in order to prepare for potential challenges or setbacks.

Furthermore, if an individual has experienced numerous setbacks or failures in their past, this may also contribute to a pessimistic outlook on future events and a tendency to anticipate the worst outcome.

Furthermore, the rationale behind forecasting the least favorable outcome is to minimize the likelihood of disappointment or adverse consequences.

It may also be viewed as a self-protection mechanism.

As you have analyzed the three reasons, individuals who have a certain degree of foresight and response plans are wise and can give themselves a sense of initiative and control.

For instance, remaining calm and not being caught off guard, preventing accidents from occurring, and experiencing relief and happiness that the worst outcome did not materialize are all possible outcomes.

However, an excessive focus on the worst possible outcome can have a negative impact on one's emotional and mental health, as previously noted.

It is therefore recommended that you try some of the following methods to alleviate this issue:

Firstly, as previously discussed, it is important to be aware of this particular thought process.

It is important to pay attention to your own thinking patterns and analyze whether you often tend to expect the worst or think in terms of catastrophes.

It is recommended that you record your negative thoughts and worries and conduct a thorough analysis of their rationality and reality.

It is important to recognize that while anticipating the worst is not inherently negative, excessive worrying can impede decision-making and limit opportunities.

This process allows one to become aware of their tendency to think in terms of worst-case scenarios. At this point, they can choose to stop and assess whether a more balanced perspective is warranted.

Secondly, you may wish to consider modifying your own thinking patterns.

It would be beneficial to attempt to adopt a more positive outlook and cultivate an optimistic attitude. It may also be helpful to ask yourself whether there are more positive and realistic perspectives or explanations.

Alternatively, concentrate on the potential positive outcomes and believe in your capacity to overcome challenges.

Additionally, it is advisable to seek out past experiences and feelings that have resulted in positive outcomes and use them as evidence to support a more positive mindset.

Finally, you should continue to actively seek additional support.

Despite the initial communication with your parents and friends not being optimal, it is important to persevere. While awaiting responses to your queries, it is also advisable to maintain communication with other friends and family members regarding your concerns and anxieties.

They may be able to provide alternative suggestions and perspectives to assist in viewing the problem from a more objective standpoint.

Should this way of thinking seriously interfere with your state of mind for an extended period, you may require the assistance of a psychologist, who will provide more professional, specific, and personalized advice.

I hope this information is useful to you.

The manner in which you conceptualize and process information is indicative of a pragmatic and accountable disposition. You demonstrate a proclivity to initially contemplate the most adverse potential outcome and subsequently devise strategies to address it. This approach is demonstrably effective in mitigating risks.

In many instances, this mode of thinking enables individuals to maintain composure and respond expeditiously when confronted with unforeseen circumstances.

However, this mode of thinking can also have adverse effects, such as inducing feelings of despondency and apprehension about the future. Prolonged tension and stress can have a detrimental impact on mental health.

It is therefore crucial to achieve a state of equilibrium.

The reasons you mentioned are all highly compelling. Indeed, developing an understanding of how to navigate the most adverse potential outcomes can serve to enhance one's self-assurance and coping abilities, thereby facilitating greater composure when confronted with other challenges.

Furthermore, life is replete with uncertainties, and the capacity to cope with unforeseen circumstances is a skill that all individuals must cultivate. Ultimately, the sense of elation and contentment that arises from outcomes that are more favorable than anticipated is a profoundly valuable experience.

To counteract the negative effects of this way of thinking, the following strategies may be employed:

It is important to learn to relax and avoid maintaining a state of high tension at all times. This can be achieved through various means, including exercise, meditation, or communication with others.

It is important to consider the worst-case scenario while simultaneously attempting to identify positive aspects. One should endeavor to cultivate an optimistic mindset and believe in their ability to overcome challenges.

It is advisable to seek external support when experiencing feelings of overwhelm. This can be provided by family members, friends, or professionals, who may offer alternative perspectives and suggestions to assist in coping.

In essence, one's cognitive style possesses distinctive advantages and intrinsic value. As long as one can achieve equilibrium and learn to adapt one's cognitive processes accordingly, one will be better equipped to navigate the challenges and pressures inherent to life.

Hi there,

After reading your description, I agree with the three points you wrote.

First, you mentioned in your description that you tend to anticipate the worst-case scenario when problems arise, which can naturally lead to a negative mood. There's nothing wrong with considering the worst-case scenario when problems arise.

In the Thirty-Six Stratagems, "Remove the Ladder from the Upper House" gives an example of the "Battle of the Backwater" that took place in Jingxing during the Chu-Han War, also known as the "Battle of the Backwater." The idea is that when soldiers are in a desperate situation, they'll fight to the death because that's what they do when they're desperate.

This is basically a mental suggestion. When you know what the worst outcome is going to be, you just have to work hard to change it. Even if you only make a little change and it works, it's still worth celebrating. This is the only way to get motivated to change the immediate problem, which is also known as "desperate measures."

Of course, this kind of behavior and mentality isn't common. It's not because they think others don't have it, but because they're attached to their values and the "wealth" they currently have.

On top of that, this behavior requires a strong psychological quality. Otherwise, over time, it will make the person using this psychological tactic lose confidence in themselves.

Secondly, you wrote in your description that when you talk to your parents about how they feel that you are so pessimistic at a young age, and when you tell your friends, they are also willing to let you learn to relax and reject internal conflict. The appeal also mentioned the results of other people's values and doesn't, which is very similar to the description of your family and friends you mentioned here.

As your parents said, being pessimistic at a young age is a sign of a loss of confidence. You can think about the outcome of a problem in the worst possible way, but you can't let that be your conclusion. Instead, you should build on it, make it better, better, better, etc.

Until you reach your limit. There will always be a bottleneck at every stage. If you think the worst will happen, you're being pessimistic. But if you think the worst is the starting point, you're being motivated.

Finally, let's talk about why you're singing.

1. If you know how to handle the worst-case scenario, you'll be better prepared to deal with other unexpected situations.

Nothing is the worst. This is the answer to your "nowhere." The best result is not to respond and deal with it, because responding and dealing with it will only make things worse. The key is to control and resolve things to prevent them from getting worse.

When things happen, I can focus on the things I've already taken care of and leave the rest for later. It's impossible to control everything, and accidents will always happen in unexpected places and times.

2. Life is a three-dimensional world, not a novel or a movie. Accidents happen, and you just have to learn to deal with them.

It's true that accidents need to be dealt with, and you need to learn how to do it. And you can only learn how to do it by reading, trying, and accumulating experience.

One thing may have a hundred problems, so you need to tackle them one by one. Of the remaining ten problems, figure out which ones are the easiest to deal with first and work on them until you've got them all sorted.

You can control problems by gaining experience, so they happen less often.

3. If you get a better result than you expected and nothing goes wrong, you'll feel relieved and happy.

It's a common mistake to confuse happiness with relief. You can feel happy, but not relieved. It's better to feel happy and move forward with a heavy heart. There's a saying, "overjoyed and in trouble," which means problems are just around the corner.

Here's some advice:

Anticipating the result is a way of doing things that can make it harder for the person doing the work and give them a boost. This also varies from person to person.

It's typically used for people who lack self-confidence.

2. You need to learn to control this emotion, which can be a double-edged sword. It can boost your confidence, but it can also be a major confidence killer.

3. Your family and friends are right, and you can combine their opinions. After all, you're the one doing the exercising. Soaking up good advice is also helpful for you.

The above content is just a reference.

Good day. I am Qu Huidong, a psychological counselor who employs the use of imagery in my practice.

The questioner inquires as to whether it is a psychological issue to consistently contemplate the most unfavorable potential outcome and to formulate a plan of action in anticipation of it. My response is an unequivocal negative.

It is frequently asserted that one should "plan for the rainy days." There is no inherent problem with preparing for an unfavorable outcome in advance. The question, then, is whether one feels comfortable doing so.

Given your description, it is evident that you are experiencing a sense of despondency. Consequently, your partner has advised you to adopt a more relaxed approach and refrain from dwelling on the matter.

The individual has identified three reasons why they believe this approach is not pessimistic or self-defeating.

1. If one is aware of the appropriate response to a worst-case scenario, it is possible to anticipate and prepare for other eventualities, thus avoiding surprise.

2. Life is a three-dimensional world, not a novel or a movie. Accidents are a common occurrence, and it is imperative to develop the ability to cope with them effectively.

3. Should the final result be more favorable than anticipated and the worst-case scenario fail to materialize, one would anticipate feelings of relief and happiness.

The reasoning is sound; thus, it is perplexing why one would experience despondency even after contemplating the worst-case scenario and formulating a plan of action to address it. Could it be due to apprehension about one's ability to cope, or is it the perception that misfortune consistently befalls oneself, or is there another underlying factor?

Is it possible to experience feelings of relief and happiness only when a situation aligns with one's expectations and one has successfully navigated it? Would one's emotional state remain unchanged if the unfavorable outcome did not occur and the coping strategies were not required?

If we place a greater value on our sense of self-worth following the resolution of a challenging issue, we may experience a sense of disappointment, as there are often multiple perspectives on any given situation. Apart from the most unfavorable outcome, the majority of problems are not inherently problematic. They may not be optimal, but they are not inherently negative either. When the solution we anticipated does not materialize, we lack the opportunity to test its efficacy, which can lead to a lack of self-worth and subsequent negative affect.

The focus, therefore, is not on whether the problem is psychological, but rather on how we respond to feelings of depression in the face of a planned response. It is important not to hastily seek a solution to these feelings, as the act of either confronting or avoiding them is an ineffective approach.

It is imperative to remain in a depressed state of mind for a period of time in order to gain insight into the psychological needs that underpin the depression. Reflection on the issues presented in the preceding paragraph may facilitate a deeper understanding of the self.

Should a person be unable to ascertain a solution, it would be prudent to seek the guidance of a counselor. Counseling is not solely a remedy for psychological issues; it can also facilitate a deeper comprehension of the challenges one faces, encourage intellectual openness, alleviate distressing emotions, and foster personal growth.

I wish you the best of success!