Pessimism and Optimism
It is quite an interesting social experience, this Clipper Race adventure. You get the opportunity to see people at their best and their worst. When things are trying and when everything is going smoothly. Do they crack under pressure or do they rise above? As we discuss different perspectives, sometimes we adopt each other's ideas expanding and molding our understandings, and other times, we meet new ideas expressed with resistance. The topic of pessimism and optimism has surfaced a few times.
One person is of the mindset that they would prefer to be pessimistic so that if they are wrong, they can be happy about it and if they are right, they can at least be happy that they are correct. They claim it would be foolish to expect a positive outcome just to be disappointed. This seems like you are potentially borrowing disappointment that is completely unnecessary if the positive outcome does come to fruition or taking on more and/or premature disappointment than bargained for if the negative outcome is fulfilled. Does it really lighten the blow to be disappointed beforehand or does anyone really take that much pleasure in being correct about a bad outcome?
Others are more of the glass-is-half-full mindset and channel their energy on manifesting the environment they prefer. Can the inverse of the previous arguments be applied here? Are you borrowing satisfaction that might leave you even more disappointed when you are let down? I will say from personal qualitative assessment, that these individuals are much more pleasant to be around when the going gets tough.
Is there a middle ground or an alternate perspective to this dichotomy where you focus on the things you can control and leave the rest up to circumstance? Where do you put in your best efforts in life and expect nothing in return? Whatever comes next is what you need to continue to develop whether it is a win, loss, windhole, or tropical storm. All that I can focus on and control is trimming our sails, performing each evolution, helming, and sailing to the best of my ability and whether we win or lose, I can be satisfied with the outcome knowing I did my best.