Half Empty or Half Full?
Happy Friday, blog friends! 
I am so glad that the work week is just about over. Mal and I have a really fun weekend planned! 
This morning’s breakfast was a new creation: Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie!
Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie
Makes 1
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup vanilla soy milk
- 1 tbsp hemp (or whey) protein
- 1 tbsp agave nectar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup ice
- Dash of nutmeg
This smoothie tastes just like sweet potato pie (delicious!) and is packed with nutrients. It’s a sweet smoothie, but not so sweet (or thick) that you feel like you are sipping on a liquefied piece of sweet potato pie. It’s just right in my opinion!
This smoothie is also a very filling. I had planned to eat an Oatmeal Raisin Bar with breakfast, but I ended up packing it up for later. My stomach is totally content for now.
Defensive Pessimism
If you’re an avid reader of Carrots ‘N’ Cake, you’d probably assume that I am a rather positive person. So, I’m sure you’d be surprised to know that I am actually a major pessimist. In fact, Mal often bugs encourages me to be more positive.
The other day, I read an article in O Magazine (March 2009) called “Revenge of the Pessimists.” (FYI: It’s on Oprah’s site with a different title.) The article explained a form of pessimism called “defensive pessimism,” which I found very interesting and describes me well. Here are some of the article’s main points:
- “Defensive pessimists prepare for a situation by setting low expectations for themselves, then follow up with a very detailed assessment of everything that may go wrong.”
- “Defensive pessimism is a strategy used in specific situations to manage anxiety, fear, and worry.”
- “What’s intriguing about defensive pessimists is that they tend to be very successful people, and so their low opinion of the outcome isn’t realistic; they use it to motivate themselves to perform better.”
- “Research shows that if you pressure defensive pessimists into being optimistic, or try to manipulate their mood, their performance deteriorates.”
In a sense, this article verbalized and validated my pessimistic outlook. Even from the time I was a little girl, I always expected the worst, and thus, prepared myself for the worst case senario. Today, I still think about the full range of possible bad outcomes, so I can figure out how to handle them, which, as you can probably guess, gives me a sense of control. Basically, defensive pessimism is a tool that prepares me for just about anything, including failure. So, if I do fail, I’m ready for it. Mentally considering all of the possibilities makes a bad outcome less catastrophic for me.
Does this sound familiar to you? Feel free to take a quiz to see if you are a defensive pessimist, too: Defensive Pessimism Questionaire
Question of the Day
Are you an optimist or pessimist? Or perhaps a defensive pessimist?
Posted by: Tina 58 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized, recipe
on May 29th, 2009 at 7:41 am
The smoothie looks delicious! I will try that soon.
I always thought I was an optimist. But I took that quiz and my results were “You may use both strategies or neither strategy consistently.” So who knows really!
on May 29th, 2009 at 7:45 am
yummy smoothie and I want that oat raisin bar!!!
on May 29th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Your smoothie looks amazing! I am definitely an optimist I’ll have to take the quiz though, because sometimes we perceive ourselves much differently than the reality of what we actually are.
on May 29th, 2009 at 7:52 am
How funny to read this today. I was just telling the story about my favorite quote when I was 13: “If you never expect anything from anyone you are never disappointed.” Word of advice: never let your teenager read Sylvia Plath. Anyway, I’ve recently had some major stuff happen in my life and I was feeling miserable and stuck until I realized how much my negative attitude was holding me back. Too many times I haven’t spoken up, tried something new, or given something a fighting chance because I assume it won’t work out. Someone once called me the Queen of Self Fulfilling Prophecies. I’ve been realizing more and more that I’m more miserable when I don’t try than when I do and fail. Good thing 32 years old isn’t too late to turn over a new leaf!
on May 29th, 2009 at 7:56 am
woow!!! That that is a smoothie I would have never thought of!!!!! That sounds absolutely delish and perfect to get that thanksgiving sweet potato pie fix all year round. Have you gone to any of the farmers markets at the Pru or in Copley? Do you know what days they are?
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Awesome! I would have never thought of adding sweet potato to a smoothie.
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm what a great idea. ANd a great way to use leftovers. I always forget to add spices to my smoothies. Need to remember!! Have a great day!
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:23 am
That smoothie looks too good to be true!
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:25 am
That would make a great dessert! Can we call it an Orange Monster?
And I would never have guessed you were a pessimist, or a defensive pessimist. Did something tragic happen to you when you were younger?
I love your blog, and even though I am an optimist, I enjoy pessimists so let a little of that show!
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:33 am
nice smoothie! I think I might be a defensive pessimist, too. I try to be optimistic to keep myself from worrying, but I am the BIGGEST worry wart around. I’m always thinking of the bad things that could happen that are totally out of nowhere.
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Wow, a filling smoothie?! I didn’t know those existed
I always need a little something alongside the ones I make.
I’m an optimist… I seem to have faith in everyone and everything. It can be disappointing every now and again but most of the time the positive thinking serves me well
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:40 am
i always like to think of myself as a “logical thinker”… i try to see things for what they are and realistically consider how to deal with the outcomes. i tend to prepare for the worst, but without dwelling on it. i guess i most often expect things to go wrong, but i try to come up with a plan and move on without over-thinking everything. i definitely think it’s about controlling the situation too…
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:45 am
YUMMY looking smoothie…
I used to be a major defensive pessimist because I wanted to prepare for the worst outcome to avoid being let down. However, I feel like I’m leaning more towards optimistic now, in the sense that I don’t look at things the same. I still tell myself, “that might not work out.” But instead of preparing for the worst, I tell myself that I’m okay with whatever happens. And in that sense, I guess I would be considered optimistically pessimistic. Or something..haha…
Have a great Friday, Tina!
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:46 am
I consider myself what I call a “realist” – expect for little, be pleasently surprised. I don’t look at the glass half full or half empty, rather I see it as there. I find overly optimistic people highly annoying. I find myself laughing at the shtity situation life throws at us, which doesn’t sit well with all. C’est la vie.
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Wow! I never would have thought of using a sweet potato in my smoothie, what a fab idea! I am eager to try this!
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I’m so glad there’s a name for it — I am definitely a defensive pessimist. I always say if I expect the worst then I’m prepared for it, but if it turns out well then it’s a pleasant surprise.
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:54 am
that’s really interesting. i had never heard of “defensive pessimists” but those points definitely describe me!
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:57 am
I’m off to take the quiz… i like to think of myself as an optimist, but I wonder what other people think!
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:59 am
@Coco (cocoeatsandcritiques): http://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/ Copley is open on Tuesdays and Fridays.
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:00 am
I am definitely an optimist! I can always find the good in any situation and I always hope for the best and even if I’m let down, I don’t let it bug me for long. I have my moments but I’d say overall, I’m an optimist
See, just look at my dang smiley face! Haha…
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:02 am
i am such an defensive pessimist! nice to find something that explains what i do… i try to tell my boyfriend that i plan and strategize to keep things from going awry and to not “waste” time. I hate wasting time when we’re traveling or out doing stuff!
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:19 am
I’m definitely an optimist – my motto is if there is a 1 in a billion chance, then I might be that 1.
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Yummm! That looks super delish–and I think I am a little bit of both; depending on my mood! hahaha
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:24 am
I prefer to call myself a realist.
I try to look at all possibilities for a situation and then start creating appropriate reactions. Yup, it has everything to do with being in control. If things start flying out of control I freak out a bit (on the inside not outwardly thank goodness!).
Love those almonds! I really like the plain roasted ones, still very flavorful. I like crunchy things in my salads that add texture. I love seeds and think they provide such a nice healthy boost to our diets so my salads almost always contain sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Sometimes if I’m having a sweet salad, I even add granola for some crunch and flavor.
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Omg that smoothie. That looks INCREDIBLE!
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:36 am
I was experimental today too. I tried a Green Monster Smoothie this morning with Kale. Was wonderful. A beautiful shade of green and quit delicious!
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I am a defensive pessimist, glad to hear I am not alone!
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:38 am
I say realist, but some certainly say pessimist about me! I don’t know why, but it doesn’t really bother me. It’s just the way I am and I can’t imagine being an optimist about everything. I think balance is key.
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I tend to be an optimist. But what I learned in a psych course is that its not bad to be a pessimist as long as you know how to use the outlook productively.
on May 29th, 2009 at 9:47 am
I would have never guessed you to be a pessimist. But we all have our things, so I understand! I can be pretty pessimistic at times too. I think the reason I tend to be more positive on my blog is because it’s one thing I LOVE doing. Do you feel that way too?
on May 29th, 2009 at 10:15 am
I am the same type of pessimist as you. Unfortunately, it really holds me back on some things – I’m so afraid of/certain I will fail that I don’t try as hard at certain things! I’m working on it, though….annoyingly, I ALSO have a super optimistic husband!
on May 29th, 2009 at 10:24 am
I would never guess you to be a pessimist either!! Thanks so much for posting this Tina! This is my boyfriend to a T and it helps me to understand him better! He’s successful in everything, but is just about the most negative person I know;) Im extremely positive so thats probably why we balance so well. Thanks again and Happy “Cookie” Friday! ; )
on May 29th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Thanks for posting this!! My boyfriend calls me a “sandbagger”, so I’m glad to have a better term for my outlook!! The whole concept of defensive pessimism makes so much sense to me and seems to fit. I’ve always had rather low expectations (and usually exceed them) but I’ve hesitated calling myself a pessimist because of the negative connotation. I think of pessimists as people who see the worst in all situations and don’t try to make the best out of a bad situation – and that doesn’t describe me at all. I expect life to be a mix of good and bad, so I end up feeling over all pretty happy and successful when things turn out a bit better than I’d anticipated.
on May 29th, 2009 at 10:57 am
It’s very hard for me to tell whether I’m an optimist or a pessimist–is it possible to be both?! Like you, I consider the full range of possibilities of any given situation, but I don’t necessarily consider that pessimistic; I think that is a balanced and realistic approach to living.
Your smoothie looks great, btw!
on May 29th, 2009 at 11:07 am
That smoothie looks wonderful, I may have to give that a whirl. Or a blend, as it may be.
I took the test and I’m not a defensive pessimist! I will say that I have worked hard to improve my intentions, expectations and outlook over the last year, though.
on May 29th, 2009 at 11:21 am
I am definitely a defensive pessimist. I definitely envision the bad outcomes but I think I use that to my advantage to work as hard as possible to end up with a good outcome. It definitely motivates me to try harder – whoo hoo for being a pessimist, a defensive one at least:)
on May 29th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Smoothie looks good! I love pumpkin smoothies. Yum.
I am quite the optimist! Enough so to really irritate my hubby. He gave me the nickname Ms. Radiance, which I love. I didn’t always use to be this way, but realized it takes way less energy to be positive and optimistic than to be pessimistic.
on May 29th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I found your topic on defensive pessimism really interesting. Recently, I had to do some research on “chronic optimism” and “Positive Psychology.”
Taking these assessments, apparently I am a pessimist/defensive pessimist. What’s funny is, I always thought I was more of an optimist! What kind of a pessimist thinks she is an optimist? How is that possible? haha, but I realized I am a pessimist when it comes to my own abilities/responsibilities, and an optimist about others/the world in general. I am working on believing in myself more!
Thanks for the thought provoking information!
on May 29th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Your sweet potato pie smoothie looks and sounds delicious. I have yet to make a smoothie – for some reason they intimidate me – but the idea of a one stop nutritionally powerful breakfast that includes sweet potato is awesome!
I’m definitely a defensive pessimist, but only when it comes to myself. During my first half marathon, I was very lax with my time and training goals, and looking back, I think it was saving myself from being scared into not doing it at all due to feelings of extreme pressure to succeed. I’m definitely a type A personality and the fear of failure can be overwhelming if I don’t adjust my goals/preparations.
Such an interesting post, thanks!
on May 29th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I am DEFINITELY an optimist!! One of my faults is that I can NOT stand pessimism! If someone is being particularly pessimistic I flat out tell them to cut it out because it’s annoying me. Harsh but it gets the point across.
on May 29th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
[...] that when I set that type of goal, I end up exceeding my expectations. That’s not being a defensive pessimist is it? [...]
on May 29th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Tina- I’m not sure if you know this or not (new to me!) but you are the blogger spotlight on Food Buzz right now!
on May 29th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
@Holly: I didn’t know! VERY cool!
Thanks for telling me!
on May 29th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I completely identify with those traits too. I have always thought of myself as being highly realistic and prepared for all outcomes. To me that just sounds better than calling myself a pessimist
But, I’m rarely disappointed and frequently pleasantly surprised, so I guess it works for me!
on May 29th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
The smoothie looks fabulous!
I’m a cross btw and optomist and a pessimist. I’m a very skeptical person about myself and everyone else. But I also tend to believe things work out well.
on May 29th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
That is an interesting article. My husband and I call me an “pesimistic optimist” – whenever something bad happens I focus on all the worse things that could have happened so it doesn’t seem so bad!
on May 29th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I’m definitely an optimist to a fault!
That sweet potato smoothie sounds really yummy…great idea!
on May 29th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
what are the nutritionals of that smoothie? it looks delicious!
on May 29th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
wow that smoothie looks amazing – thanks for the recipe, it’s so creative!
on May 29th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Thanks for putting that article up there! I strive to maintain a positive outlook on life, but am also a defensive pessimist — always have been, and probably always will be. I don’t necessarily *think* that the worst will happen, but I think about things that could go wrong and make the necessary preparations. As you said, it gives me a sense of control. More than that, though, it *does* help my preparedness level. Maybe that’s why defensive pessimists have high success rates — because they have put their time and energy into exploring as many outcomes as possible.
on May 29th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I don’t know that I’ve ever considered if I’m a pessimist or optimist, but I took the quiz, and it says that I use both strategies equally or inconsistantly. I often find that’s the way with alot of quizzes, because I just don’t feel like I would do the same thing in every situation.
on May 29th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Wow…. I am definitely a defensive pessimist. I have never heard it labeled that way before but it really pinpoints what it is! It sometimes is tiring thinking out all the ways something might not go well, etc., etc.
Great blog!
on May 30th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Haha, your mention of defensive pessimism makes me chuckle a little. My mother is the classic defensive pessimist, and I have repeatedly labeled her as such. Now, anytime she utters something indicative of her status as a defensive pessimist, all I have to say is “DP, Ma, DP.”
I never would have thought to put sweet potato in a smoothie! But hey, pumpkin is delicious in smoothie form, why not its potato cousin?
on May 30th, 2009 at 2:09 am
Wow that smoothie is pure GENIOUS. I make a pumpkin pie smoothie, and I am so excited to make this. Especially because I have 2 cans of sweet potatoes to use up!
on May 30th, 2009 at 10:45 am
That smoothie sounds delicious! I think I am a defensive pessimist. It seems to define my outlook on any and all situations. I always said I am realist/dreamer. I guess that is kind of the same thing!
on Jun 1st, 2009 at 8:15 pm
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on Aug 27th, 2009 at 11:02 am
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on Feb 24th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
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