Optimism for future

Fostering a sense of optimism is especially important for police officers who have to remain alert and well equipped for all sorts of contingencies, including the worst scenarios. Without conscious awareness, this "preparing for the worst" alertness may become a habitual perception about the future, resulting in pessimism and anxiety when one thinks about one's future.

Critical evaluation of mind

For example, a Police Constable, who has failed to get promoted to the rank of Sergeant, thinks he is useless and dumb and believes he would not advance beyond the rank of Sergeant in the future. There are several questions to dispute such negative belief.

What is the evidence for and against this belief?

"Apart from this failure in promotion, is there any other evidence that I am useless and dumb? Is there any indicator confirming my belief that I would fail next time? What have my supervisors, colleagues and family members said about my competence?"

What are the alternative explanations? This can avoid focussing on a single negative cause and neglecting other possible causes when we are unhappy.

"If not useless and dumb, what else could have made me fail in promotion? Was I well prepared or too nervous?"

Even belief is true. It is useful to think about the implications of belief. The consequences may not be as bad as you originally thought.

"If I can't make a Sergeant, I would have neither a higher status nor better salary and benefits. That's all I would lose, but it is not the end of the world. I still have an interesting job with a stable income and good benefits, and I can spend my spare time pursuing other interests in my life."

How helpful is it to have such belief? We can look at the impact of having such belief instead of examining its accuracy.

"If I keep thinking I am useless and not smart, will it help me in any way? Or will it make me more depressed and discouraged?"

By asking yourself all these questions, you may find out that your thoughts are not always accurate, the consequences are not always negative, and your mood may change afterwards. Do you have a pessimistic thought today? Try these ways to boost your level of optimism about the future.

Seek advice and help from the Psychological Services Group: PHQ, Hong Kong Island and Marine: 2866-6206 (5/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay); Kowloon and the New Territories: 2735-3739 (22/F, Ocean Building, 80 Shanghai Street, Kowloon). PEN: psg@police.gov.hk