How do I stop being so negative?

[NINFAN]

Pics would be required as proof.

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[MAJOR METAL]

Remember the old saying, "The pessimist has better data"?

It's true.

"Negativity" and "depression" are entirely the appropriate reactions to the world by an intelligent, percipient person.

Optimism is a delusion. It's a clinical fact that "normal" people consistently "look on the bright side" with happier expectations far more than the subsequent events warrant, but this delusion is apparently a survival mechanism that "negative" people lack -- in exchange for a higher intelligence and a clarity that "normal" people don't have.

People are usually negative and depressed because these are appropriate reactions.

The people I see who are not depressed are those who are absolutely absorbed in various idiocies of pop culture and their own imbecile enthusiasms, withdrawal from which puts them into depressive tailspins in about 48 hours. These people can't be alone with themselves for more than a few hours without becoming antsy and anxious.

So...how do you keep your awareness of the world from killing you?

Stay busy and distracted, like the normals do with their mass frivolities, but with more personally significant stuff, like your family or music or hobbies.

Completely withdraw from "issues" you cannot materially effect. Don't "care" and "feel" about stuff over which you have no control, which is nearly everything the media is screaming at you about in order to keep you in a state of anxiety -- so that seeking comfort you'll compulsively buy from their advertisers and "stay tuned" for more real and imaginary crises to get your anxiety fix.

Indifference is not only a completely appropriate reaction to things that are out of your control, it's the only healthy one.

One of the interesting things about really brilliant and successful people is that they have an insular existence and outlook relative to a "normal" person.

This is one of the most enlightening post I have ever read here. Thank you.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

This is one of the most enlightening post I have ever read here. Thank you.

+1

I recently came to this conclusion myself. It's nice

 

[Kaa]

In response to an above post, I'm not sure golf is the best game for a pessimist.

 

[MatticusMania]

Remember the old saying, "The pessimist has better data"?

It's true.

"Negativity" and "depression" are entirely the appropriate reactions to the world by an intelligent, percipient person.

Optimism is a delusion. It's a clinical fact that "normal" people consistently "look on the bright side" with happier expectations far more than the subsequent events warrant, but this delusion is apparently a survival mechanism that "negative" people lack -- in exchange for a higher intelligence and a clarity that "normal" people don't have.

People are usually negative and depressed because these are appropriate reactions.

The people I see who are not depressed are those who are absolutely absorbed in various idiocies of pop culture and their own imbecile enthusiasms, withdrawal from which puts them into depressive tailspins in about 48 hours. These people can't be alone with themselves for more than a few hours without becoming antsy and anxious.

So...how do you keep your awareness of the world from killing you?

Stay busy and distracted, like the normals do with their mass frivolities, but with more personally significant stuff, like your family or music or hobbies.

Completely withdraw from "issues" you cannot materially effect. Don't "care" and "feel" about stuff over which you have no control, which is nearly everything the media is screaming at you about in order to keep you in a state of anxiety -- so that seeking comfort you'll compulsively buy from their advertisers and "stay tuned" for more real and imaginary crises to get your anxiety fix.

Indifference is not only a completely appropriate reaction to things that are out of your control, it's the only healthy one.

One of the interesting things about really brilliant and successful people is that they have an insular existence and outlook relative to a "normal" person.

I agree with you, but feel this latter part of your post should be highlighted in due, because it's what helped me maintain a grip on my existence and be much less anxious/depressed.

There is a whole lot in the world that one cannot have an affect on, no sense in being beaten up by them. In other words, just roll with the punches.