Want to achieve more and be happier? Psychologist Jennifer Garth explains how a pessimistic outlook can actually help you on your way.
Being negative can be a positive. Studies suggest a negative outlook could help you live longer. In fact, being pessimistic about the future can mean you take fewer risks, are more vigilant about your health and take greater safety precautions than optimists. Here’s what negative people can teach you to achieve a brighter future.
ANXIETY MANAGEMENT
Negative people expect worst-case scenarios. They typically ruminate on imagined situations like, ‘This presentation is going to end in disaster. I’ll be out of a job!’ Yet quite often, in spite of their doom and gloom, they are a huge hit. So how do they do it? ‘When you expect the worst you diffuse the emotional power it has over you. You say to yourself, “It can only go up from here,”’ says Professor Julie Norem, author of The Positive Power of Negative Thinking.
Your negativity acts as a cognitive cushion, reminding you, ‘What have I got to lose?’ When your anxiety is under control you can pull up your sleeves and get on with giving the job your best shot. You’re now in the moment: planning, troubleshooting, focusing on the details and giving the project your all.
PLAN B
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
