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The Positive Power Of Negative Thinking
How often are we urged to "look on the bright side"? From Norman Vincent Peale to the ubiquitous smiley face, optimism has become an essential part of American society. In this long-overdue book, psychologist Julie Norem offers convincing evidence that, for many people, positive thinking is an ineffective strategy -- and often an obstacle -- for successfully coping with the anxieties and pressures of modern life. Drawing on her own research and many vivid case histories, Norem provides evidence of the powerful benefits of "defensive pessimism," which has helped millions to manage anxiety and perform their best work.
248 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
32 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 26, 2016
Most of us are familiar and we have probably utilized the following strategy at least sometimes:
"Hope for the best and prepare for the worst!" This book deals with one of my favorite paradoxes.
On the one hand, I consider myself to be a very optimistic person. On the other hand I like to be realistic and prudent and I do want to be ready for the worst ... just in case. This book has been extremely validating and empowering for me because it has helped me to overcome any guilt that I may have felt about not feeling obliged to always think positively. This book also deals with it the following paradox in Chapter 7. No Size Fits All: Different Folks, Different Strategies. This book totally complements and reinforces what I have myself written about paradox in Missing Links in Chapter 3. I strongly recommend it!
"Hope for the best and prepare for the worst!" This book deals with one of my favorite paradoxes.
On the one hand, I consider myself to be a very optimistic person. On the other hand I like to be realistic and prudent and I do want to be ready for the worst ... just in case. This book has been extremely validating and empowering for me because it has helped me to overcome any guilt that I may have felt about not feeling obliged to always think positively. This book also deals with it the following paradox in Chapter 7. No Size Fits All: Different Folks, Different Strategies. This book totally complements and reinforces what I have myself written about paradox in Missing Links in Chapter 3. I strongly recommend it!
July 28, 2021
The concept was helpful and applicable, though the execution was bland (with a gaggle of ‘not his real name’ dull examples to illustrate points, and not enough research references for my taste). 2.5.
The author contrasts two potentially effective way of approaching tasks and managing the accompanying anxiety. Strategic optimism is seen positively in North American culture, as a reflection of the optimist’s competence (which of course it isn’t - thinking you’ll do well may or may not reflect your abilities). Strategic optimists do better if they don’t think about an upcoming stressful task. Positive self-talk when you need to think about it, and distraction as the task approaches. Defensive pessimists, on the other hand, manage anxiety by thinking through all the things that can go wrong, and coming up with plans to avoid the problem. In a society that values optimism, this doesn’t always go over well (and you can overwhelm family or co-workers making them listen workings of a defensive pessimist’s brain). So the author suggests ‘doing’ defensive pessimism in your head if this is you, and just presenting the ‘need to know’ results to other people. However, the strategy itself can be very effective both in managing anxiety and in producing results.
It seems research shows that if you fall into one of these two strategy groups, trying to change strategy and operate as though you were the other kind of person hurts performance. That is, telling a defensive to lighten up or preventing them from doing the work of thinking through problems results in increased anxiety and poor performance, as does insisting that strategic optimists avoid distraction and brainstorm everything that could go wrong. Both strategies are more effective than those practised by either ‘avoiders’ or ‘self-handicappers,’ and it’s very hard to change your strategy over time.
The author contrasts two potentially effective way of approaching tasks and managing the accompanying anxiety. Strategic optimism is seen positively in North American culture, as a reflection of the optimist’s competence (which of course it isn’t - thinking you’ll do well may or may not reflect your abilities). Strategic optimists do better if they don’t think about an upcoming stressful task. Positive self-talk when you need to think about it, and distraction as the task approaches. Defensive pessimists, on the other hand, manage anxiety by thinking through all the things that can go wrong, and coming up with plans to avoid the problem. In a society that values optimism, this doesn’t always go over well (and you can overwhelm family or co-workers making them listen workings of a defensive pessimist’s brain). So the author suggests ‘doing’ defensive pessimism in your head if this is you, and just presenting the ‘need to know’ results to other people. However, the strategy itself can be very effective both in managing anxiety and in producing results.
It seems research shows that if you fall into one of these two strategy groups, trying to change strategy and operate as though you were the other kind of person hurts performance. That is, telling a defensive to lighten up or preventing them from doing the work of thinking through problems results in increased anxiety and poor performance, as does insisting that strategic optimists avoid distraction and brainstorm everything that could go wrong. Both strategies are more effective than those practised by either ‘avoiders’ or ‘self-handicappers,’ and it’s very hard to change your strategy over time.
February 16, 2019
4.5 stars. This is a really excellent overview of “defensive pessimism,” which was a new concept for me. This is largely descriptive, and generally explains that defensive pessimism is a strategy some people use (unconsciously, sometimes) to manage their anxiety. This strategy is quite different than the prevailing “positivism” approach, so many comparisons are made between those two very different styles. This book is extremely well written and organized. It did seem to end a tad abruptly, but still a very good book.
October 1, 2016
In The Positive Power of Negative Thinking, author Julie Norem compares defensive pessimism---a strategy for managing existing anxiety by identifying and addressing possible negative outcomes before undertaking an endeavor---with its counterpart, strategic optimism---a strategy used by people with low baseline levels of anxiety to relax before a big event and avoid triggering anxious feelings. Both strategies, Norem contends, can optimize performance for different personalities in different situations. Each strategy has its own risks and benefits, and the secret is knowing which is the right fit for each of us in any particular circumstance.
I've had this book on my to-read list for more than four years, since I read David Rakoff's Half Empty , which references Norem's research. Reading about defensive pessimism, I could easily identify situations in which I instinctively and successfully use this strategy, like when preparing for a road trip or putting together homeschool curricula for my kids. I could also identify situations in which I instead engage in avoidance and self-handicapping rather than risk feeling the full force of my anxiety, like in the case of the unfinished novel I've been thinking about daily but not writing on since 2010.
Thinking of defensive pessimism, avoidance, and self-handicapping as different responses to anxiety has caused a welcome shift in my thinking. I spent an evening this week listing in my journal all of the negatives about working on my novel, and then wrote out potential ways that I could manage the anxiety around these so that I can actually write down the scenes that play out in my mind. So far, I've not actually sat down to write on the novel, but I consider this a positive move in that direction. At the very least, when I schedule a morning writing session and then ignore my alarm and then don't have enough time to write before the kids and I need to begin our lessons, I can identify this as avoidance. (Putting a name on it has to have some value, right?)
Despite its potential helpfulness in making progress on my personal goals, there are two things that keep me from loving this book. First, it's too long for the amount of information it includes. This isn't as extreme as in other self-helpy books I've read, but I think I could have gotten the basic idea in about half the number of words. Second, it brought up so many tangential issues that I sometimes couldn't figure out how they fit in with the defensive pessimism/strategic optimism duality Norem presents. As helpful as it was to read about avoidance and self-handicapping as ways to avoid feeling their existing anxiety, it wasn't clear how they fit. Are there corresponding negative ways of avoiding anxiety that temperamentally non-anxious people use if they're not using strategic optimism? Or do the negatives for them come in when their strategic optimism tips into the non-strategic version?
I think the book would have been stronger had Norem maintained a tighter focus and left some of the other stuff out, but I did enjoy it, and I'm glad that I picked it up finally.
I've had this book on my to-read list for more than four years, since I read David Rakoff's Half Empty , which references Norem's research. Reading about defensive pessimism, I could easily identify situations in which I instinctively and successfully use this strategy, like when preparing for a road trip or putting together homeschool curricula for my kids. I could also identify situations in which I instead engage in avoidance and self-handicapping rather than risk feeling the full force of my anxiety, like in the case of the unfinished novel I've been thinking about daily but not writing on since 2010.
Thinking of defensive pessimism, avoidance, and self-handicapping as different responses to anxiety has caused a welcome shift in my thinking. I spent an evening this week listing in my journal all of the negatives about working on my novel, and then wrote out potential ways that I could manage the anxiety around these so that I can actually write down the scenes that play out in my mind. So far, I've not actually sat down to write on the novel, but I consider this a positive move in that direction. At the very least, when I schedule a morning writing session and then ignore my alarm and then don't have enough time to write before the kids and I need to begin our lessons, I can identify this as avoidance. (Putting a name on it has to have some value, right?)
Despite its potential helpfulness in making progress on my personal goals, there are two things that keep me from loving this book. First, it's too long for the amount of information it includes. This isn't as extreme as in other self-helpy books I've read, but I think I could have gotten the basic idea in about half the number of words. Second, it brought up so many tangential issues that I sometimes couldn't figure out how they fit in with the defensive pessimism/strategic optimism duality Norem presents. As helpful as it was to read about avoidance and self-handicapping as ways to avoid feeling their existing anxiety, it wasn't clear how they fit. Are there corresponding negative ways of avoiding anxiety that temperamentally non-anxious people use if they're not using strategic optimism? Or do the negatives for them come in when their strategic optimism tips into the non-strategic version?
I think the book would have been stronger had Norem maintained a tighter focus and left some of the other stuff out, but I did enjoy it, and I'm glad that I picked it up finally.
April 12, 2020
This book was a bit of a slog until chapter 8, when it really all came together. I feel that there's a lot to relate to in here, especially if a person takes the quiz within and identifies as a defensive pessimist. It might be hard to get an optimist to read this book, but at least there's comfort knowing that us defensive pessimists are not alone in the world. It's going on my bookshelf to read again in a few years; it will be interesting to see if my strategies have changed at all.
July 7, 2021
I was ready to hate this book, but I kept on reading and found it to be valuable. Essentially, optimism doesn't work for everyone. Defensive pessimism just means if you are inclined to see the dark side, use this energy to plan.
January 19, 2013
Great book! This book expands the dichotomy of optimism and pessimism, to include a gray area of "defensive pessimists" whose realistic perspectives on the world/future are often misunderstood. It also helps those who fall in the category to no longer squelch their world view but rather embrace and use it to increase personal success. I definitely related to this book and I highly recommend it!
January 3, 2021
reading the title i thought i finally found some representation for the way i’ve been thinking my whole life. completely disappointed and i don’t think it helps people who always think the negative first like it states. everyone’s different though so give it a try, you never know what is going to make sense to you.
July 12, 2013
This is my third reading for this book ,
This book changed my life and save my soul !!!
This book changed my life and save my soul !!!
August 11, 2016
The style was too self-helpy for me, but I'd definitely describe myself as a defensive pessimist whose constant consideration of the worst-case scenario destroys personal relationships.
October 8, 2014
boo. not at all what I thought it would be about.
April 27, 2024
I had high hopes for this book, but it was really dry and repetitive. Had a couple of good takeaways, but can’t say much more about it.
May 16, 2024
In the self help world where it’s all about positivity, this books makes sense. In a way this seemed common sense to me - but a thankful welcome that confirmed my precaution of “just having a positive mindset is the end all or be all”
- I’ve always tried to remain grounded, realistic and careful - while I totally get the virtues of a positive mindset - anything to the contrary has always been painted as anti positivity- thankfully this book explains why that isn’t necessarily the case - and a pinch of negativity can do good too! :)
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
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- I’ve always tried to remain grounded, realistic and careful - while I totally get the virtues of a positive mindset - anything to the contrary has always been painted as anti positivity- thankfully this book explains why that isn’t necessarily the case - and a pinch of negativity can do good too! :)
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
👆🏼 P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over the years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
https://Waseem.tv/GoodReadsBookInvite
March 10, 2025
I don't like the anecdotal style ... feels a bit like she's dumbing it down (presumably a marketing angle to sell more books - she'd have sold more if the case was better argued and intellectualised). US publishing is glutted with bullshit tomes about positive thinking, so there's plenty of scope to write correctives. to challenge the bullshit.
What's needed, of course, is a corrective which deconstructs the positive bullshit, demonstrating its political role in deluding readers into believing that anyone can get to the top, just follow some basic, trite principles. In reality, of course, the vast majority of people who get to 'the top' start at 'the top- - they have rich parents, they have influential parents, they get sent to the best schools, have the networks in place which will secure their advance. The dice are loaded - the positive thinking bullshit is just another way of depoliticising the issue.
That's what needs saying, and I don't think Norem gets that across.
If you're not born into a privileged elite, finding a job you enjoy, finding roles that are fulfilling - maybe even happy - can be difficult, can require work and effort and no guarantees. Be aware things can go wrong, think outside the wishful thinking box ... be a realist.
I think that's the point she's making - it could have been made better.
What's needed, of course, is a corrective which deconstructs the positive bullshit, demonstrating its political role in deluding readers into believing that anyone can get to the top, just follow some basic, trite principles. In reality, of course, the vast majority of people who get to 'the top' start at 'the top- - they have rich parents, they have influential parents, they get sent to the best schools, have the networks in place which will secure their advance. The dice are loaded - the positive thinking bullshit is just another way of depoliticising the issue.
That's what needs saying, and I don't think Norem gets that across.
If you're not born into a privileged elite, finding a job you enjoy, finding roles that are fulfilling - maybe even happy - can be difficult, can require work and effort and no guarantees. Be aware things can go wrong, think outside the wishful thinking box ... be a realist.
I think that's the point she's making - it could have been made better.
October 10, 2017
Pessimists are continually told they should try to be optimistic. What if however pessimism is hard wired, and for those people trying to be optimists doesn't work, but actually makes things worse. Julie Norem contends that there are defensive pessimists who actually benefit from their pessimism. Rather than trying to become constructive optimists, they need to embrace and make the most of their pessimism. I was about three quarters of the way through the book when I left it on a plane flight to Cairns. Coincidence or a message from a deterministic universe ?
Norem provides a pleasant and highly original alternative to the sanctimonious lecturing of the nauseating positive psychology types.
Norem provides a pleasant and highly original alternative to the sanctimonious lecturing of the nauseating positive psychology types.
September 29, 2020
Most people fall into negative thinking traits that are hard to break through sometimes. However, being aware of those thoughts is essential to overcoming the self-negative talk and turn the cards into your side. I liked the phrase "self-handicappers" which used to describe how the person is its own self-ideology. To free ourselves from this negative thinking one should turn the defensive perspective into action to improve. Solutions could be wrong sometimes, but it would cost less to spend time thinking positively. Overall, not taking defensive pessimism as a concept in life, instead of shifting those thoughts into mindful offensive optimism.
August 30, 2020
Most of the times what you have to do is accept what you are either a negative pessimist or a strategic optimist out anything else. The book has a point. We mostly consider pessimists as a negative thing that we need to change. Maybe not our maybe yes. You just need to accept first.
July 7, 2019
Ένα εντελώς διαφορετικό βιβλίο από τα συνηθισμένα που μας ωθούν να τα βλέπουμε όλα θετικά! Μου άρεσε που διάβασα μια άλλη οπτική και βρήκα τον εαυτό μου σε πολλά σημεία.
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April 19, 2022ネガティブだからうまくいく
DPは
イメージングが成功につながりにくい
客観的に自分の欠点を見つめる
ただし、回避言い訳傾向には気をつけること
みんなにはバレないようにDPをする。人のモチベを下げるので人前では言わない。内省のみ。
DPは
イメージングが成功につながりにくい
客観的に自分の欠点を見つめる
ただし、回避言い訳傾向には気をつけること
みんなにはバレないようにDPをする。人のモチベを下げるので人前では言わない。内省のみ。
February 6, 2013
Leí este libro porque lo mencionaba David Rakoff en su fascinante Half empty. Se trata de una defensa del pesimismo frente a la dictadura omnipresente del pensamiento positivo. Norem contrapone a los optimistas estratégicos (aquellos que evitan la ansiedad pensando que todo va a estar bien y confiando que "sobre la marcha" las cosas se solucionan) a los pesimistas defensivos (aquellos que imaginan todo tipo de catástrofes por anticipado y planifican con anticipación para evitarlas), y afirma que ambas son estrategias y ambas pueden ser exitosas. En los extremos, claro, está el problema, en los optimistas totalmente ciegos a cualquier obstáculos, que tienen a ser negadores con el ego inflado, incapaces de asumir sus limitaciones y defectos. Y en los pesimistas paralizados por la idea de que no vale la pena hacer nada ya que todo está condenado a salir mal. Norem analiza en detalle las sutilezas de estas dos posiciones (el optimista estratégico evita sentir ansiedad con su estrategia, mientras que un pesimista defensivo administra su ansiedad con su estrategia, ya que para él es inevitable sentir ansiedad). El libro es iluminador y vitalizante, porque es cierto que es inútil, en la mayoría de los casos, pedirle a un pesimista que se convierta en un optimista. Lo mejor sería adoptar distintas estrategias de acuerdo al contexto, e identificarlas, como hace este libro, puede ser de gran ayuda para eso. El libro, en un estilo accesible y ordenado, tiene la contra de ser un poco anodino, y un poco estirado y repetitivo (los mismos argumentos podrían haber ocupado la mitad de la extensión en páginas). En conclusión: altamente recomendable para aquellos que intuyen que atrás de la doctrina monocorde de pensamiento positivo, gente tóxica, etc, hay pensamiento muerto y fiaca analítica.
October 17, 2011
Great read - I was on a long flight and just burned through it cover to cover. Easy to read and great insights to understanding how to channel your anxiety for good instead of evil.
September 4, 2012
This book is my bible!
March 22, 2013
Quite a relief for anxiety sufferers!
June 7, 2013
I definitely liked the premise. Lots of advantages to thinking this way, anticipating failure modes helps preparedness.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews