DianaLoomans

DianaLoomans.com

The Extraordinary Life Awaits You. . .

THE PESSIMIST - OPTIMIST TEST

Are you more optimistic or pessimistic in your parenting style and approach to life? While most people are

a combination of both, some lean predominantly to one side or the other.

Read through each column, and give yourself one point for each of the qualities that apply to you in either column. The rating scale is at the bottom of the page.

THE PESSIMIST

THE OPTIMIST

Missing healthy role models

Focus on faults & weaknesses

Poor self-regard

Assumes the worst

Avoids unpleasant issues

Complains often

Criticizes and puts down

Curt or rude to authorities

Closed with a guarded heart

Sacastic, bitter or cynical

Shuns being of service

Gives up easily when it gets rough

Isolates out of pain or protection

Withholds feelings; shut-down

Bluntly honest without kindness

Mistrusts people and their motives

Competes and wants to be the best

Focuses on what's missing

Fears and avoids the unknown

Prone to depression

Harbors anger and resentment

Little or no moral reflection

Poor daily self-care

Prone to addictions

Lethargic and lackluster

Difficult & draining

Careless or reckless

Low achiever

Poor self-discipline

Negative attitude about the future

TOTAL SCORE

Has one or more healthy role-models

Self-corrects and develops strengths

Strong self-respect

Looks for the best

Gets to the issue seeking resolve

Co-operates often

Acknowledges and builds others up

Respectful or polite to authorities

Open with a warm heart

Humorous, clever and fun

Contributes to the lives of others

Keeps going with persistence

Stays connected to others

Expresses feelings; vulnerable

Considerately honest with kindness

Open to learn of others' motives

Competes with one's personal best

Focuses on what's working

Explores and seeks the unknown

Good mental health

Moves through anger and progresses

Aspires to strong and clear values

Good daily self-care

Avoids substance abuse

Ambitious and motivated

Energizing & interesting

Strong in character & liable

Motivated achiever

Strong self-discipline

Positive attitude about the future

TOTAL SCORE

TOTAL

8 or Less: Mildly Pessimistic
9-16: Moderately Pessimistic
17-24: Highly Pessimistic
25 and up: Off the Charts

8 or Less: Mildly Optimistic
9-16: Moderately Optimistic
17-24: Highly Optimistic
25 and up: Extraordinary

If your score indicates you are optimistic, congratulations! Keep up your affirmative approach to life. You are most likely a role model in your child's life and a positive influence to many. If your score indicates that you are pessimistic, you may want to consider it an invitation to change.

You can read chapter 11 in my book "What All Children Want Their Parents to Know" to enhance your strengths and further your skills. In this chapter I share 5 ways for you to develop healthy optimism and five ways for you to stomp out pessimism.

From the book, What All Children Want Their Parents to Know: 12 Keys to Raising a Happy Child

Click here to read more about Diana's book, "What All Children Want Their Parents to Know"