Pessimistically Positive: Setting Reachable Goals and Objectives

In most walks of life, we are encouraged to be positive, to look at the glass as half full instead of half empty. But sometimes a little pessimism is healthy in the PR field. Below are three ways you can use pessimism to your advantage while working in PR:

• Pragmatism: It's our job to spin things in a positive light, to put our clients in the best position possible. While it's great to think about things positively, sometimes a client won't see all of the angles of a situation. Don't forget to ask questions like: How? Why? Where? What if? When? By doing so you will be able to bring your client back to Earth a little bit and set realistic goals.
• Defense: It can never be said enough: expect the unexpected. Be prepared for if/when a crisis strikes that you will prepared to do major damage control. Plan your defensive strategy ahead of time and be both pessimistic and optimistic about possible situations.
• Balance: It's great to be excited and pumped for a new opportunity, but it's the balance of pessimism and optimism that will put you in a good place. Balance will allow you to keep a level head and reach the goals you set for yourself and your client.

How do you balance between being pessimistic and optimistic? Let us know!