The problem with pessimism

One student I spoke with yesterday has a real problem.
He’s a high school junior who admits he has a rotten attitude.
He said he has trained himself not to expect too much.
That way, he said, he’s never disappointed by what happens.
He also admits he has the brains to do high school work.
But he doesn’t apply himself or turn in his homework on time.
He even puts himself down and tells himself he’s fat.
Why are you telling me all this? I asked.
Because you seem to have it all together, he said.
He just can’t seem to develop a positive attitude about school.
What do you have a positive attitude toward? I asked.
Nothing, he said. My parents split up. I live with my sister.
If I mess up in school, she’s going to kick me out of her house.
Do you want her to evict you? I asked. Where would you live?
He had no answer. Wow, I thought. This kid is trouble.
I can’t help you, I said. Being a pessimist is your choice.
It’s a choice we all make. We choose our own attitudes.
A guidance counselor was listening to this exchange.
She and I agreed he really needs counseling.
Have you met people like him? You can feel for them.
But be careful of them. They will drag you down with them.
Real leaders are positive. They look for the good in people.
They anticipate challenges and prepare for them.
They assess opportunities and go for those that make sense.
I’ll spend four hours with young professionals today.
I’ll share some of what we discuss in next week’s blog.
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