--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Another way to be prepared is to think…" description: "\"Another way to be prepared is to think negatively. Yes, I'm a great optimist. but, when trying to make a decision, I often think of the worst case scen..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea4/randy-pausch-842_attitude_another-way-to-be-prepared-is-to-think-n_1118763.jpg" --- # Another way to be prepared is to think negatively. Yes… ![“Another way to be prepared is to think negatively. Yes, I'm a great optimist. but, when trying to make a decision, I often think of the worst case scenario. I call it 'the eaten by wolves factor.' If I do something, what's the most terrible thing that could happen? Would I be eaten by wolves? One…” quote by Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea4/randy-pausch-842_attitude_another-way-to-be-prepared-is-to-think-n_1118763.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea4/randy-pausch-842_attitude_another-way-to-be-prepared-is-to-think-n_1118763.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea4/randy-pausch-842_attitude_another-way-to-be-prepared-is-to-think-n_1118763.jpg) > “Another way to be prepared is to think negatively. Yes, I'm a great optimist. but, when trying to make a decision, I often think of the worst case scenario. I call it 'the eaten by wolves factor.' If I do something, what's the most terrible thing that could happen? Would I be eaten by wolves? One thing that makes it possible to be an optimist, is if you have a contingency plan for when all hell breaks loose. There are a lot of things I don't worry about, because I have a plan in place if they do.” [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Anticipating worst-case scenarios prepares one for setbacks, enabling optimism and decisive action. **In simple terms:** Planning for bad outcomes helps maintain optimism. Key Takeaway Develop contingency plans for potential failures. Themes optimism risk management decision making preparation Mood reflective practical Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - business strategy - personal life choices - emergency response - project management Key Concepts contingency planning psychological resilience strategic foresight Questions to Reflect On - What worst-case scenario have you prepared for? - How does planning affect your confidence? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on worst cases can cause anxiety or paralysis. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Attitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) [Contingency plans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contingency-plans/) [Decision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decision/) [Hell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hell/) [Optimist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/optimist/) [Strategy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strategy/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Worry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worry/) [Worst case scenario](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worst-case-scenario/) ## Related quotes > [One thing that makes it possible to be an optimist is if you have a contingency plan for when all hell breaks loose.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/one-thing-that-makes-it-possible-to-be-an-optimist-is-if-you-have-a/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [I tend to be a great optimist when it comes to the United States and the American way of life, I think precisely because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paullina-simons/i-tend-to-be-a-great-optimist-when-it-comes-to-the-united-states-and/) [Paullina Simons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paullina-simons/) > [The guarantee of safety in a battering relationship can never be based upon a promise from the perpetrator, no matter how heartfelt. Rather, it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-lewis-herman/the-guarantee-of-safety-in-a-battering-relationship-can-never-be/) [Judith Lewis Herman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-lewis-herman/) > [There are contingency plans in the NATO doctrine to fire a nuclear weapon for demonstrative purposes, to demonstrate to the other side that they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-haig/there-are-contingency-plans-in-the-nato-doctrine-to-fire-a-nuclear/) [Alexander Haig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-haig/) > [And even, if circumstances required, a contingency plan for his contingency plan's contingency plan.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-beddor/and-even-if-circumstances-required-a-contingency-plan-for-his/) [Frank Beddor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-beddor/) > [There is nearly always uh, a process of wanting contingency plans made in the military.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mcgeorge-bundy/there-is-nearly-always-uh-a-process-of-wanting-contingency-plans-made/) [McGeorge Bundy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mcgeorge-bundy/) > [Presidents and Lyndon Johnson was really no exception, very rapidly learned the difference between a contingency plan and an authorized act.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mcgeorge-bundy/presidents-and-lyndon-johnson-was-really-no-exception-very-rapidly/) [McGeorge Bundy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mcgeorge-bundy/) > [By admitting they have no contingency plan to assist the millions that may lose subsidies, the administration confirms how the misguided law is unworkable…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orrin-hatch/by-admitting-they-have-no-contingency-plan-to-assist-the-millions/) [Orrin Hatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orrin-hatch/) > [We have contingency plans for war, but none for peace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/we-have-contingency-plans-for-war-but-none-for-peace/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Certainly, I know what to do, and when I am Vice President -- and I will be -- there will be contingency plans under…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-quayle/certainly-i-know-what-to-do-and-when-i-am-vice-president-and-i-will/) [Dan Quayle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-quayle/) > [“Did you consider anything like the Infected?' Simon had asked. 'Not quite. But some of our other contingency plans might help us out with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/l-ashley-straker/did-you-consider-anything-like-the-infected-simon-had-asked-not-quite/) L. Ashley Straker > [Thinking Positively should become our Habit, Because there is absolutely zero results and in fact, negative results if we think negatively. That's the Law…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sham-hinduja/thinking-positively-should-become-our-habit-because-there-is/) [Sham Hinduja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sham-hinduja/) > [There are people who think negatively, and there have been people who react negatively towards BTS music.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suga/there-are-people-who-think-negatively-and-there-have-been-people-who/) [Suga](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suga/) > [I don't think negatively.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rajpal-yadav/i-don-t-think-negatively/) [Rajpal Yadav](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rajpal-yadav/) > [You can think negatively or positively. If you are a positive thinker, you will base your decisions on faith rather than fear.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-h-schuller/you-can-think-negatively-or-positively-if-you-are-a-positive-thinker/) [Robert H. Schuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-h-schuller/) ## More by Randy Pausch > [We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/we-cannot-change-the-cards-we-are-dealt-just-how-we-play-the-hand/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [Apologies are not pass/fail.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/apologies-are-not-pass-fail/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [When you're frustrated with people, when they've made you angry, it just may be because you haven't given them enough time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/when-you-re-frustrated-with-people-when-they-ve-made-you-angry-it/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [I was hugely impressed... was the ultimate example of a man who knew what he didn't know, was perfectly willing to admit it, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/i-was-hugely-impressed-was-the-ultimate-example-of-a-man-who-knew/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [There's nothing about my life that I would have changed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/there-s-nothing-about-my-life-that-i-would-have-changed/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [Complaining does not work as a strategy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/complaining-does-not-work-as-a-strategy/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [“If other people owe you an apology, and your words of apology to them are proper and heartfelt, you still may not hear from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/if-other-people-owe-you-an-apology-and-your-words-of-apology-to-them/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [“The brick walls are there for a reason. they're not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/the-brick-walls-are-there-for-a-reason-they-re-not-there-to-keep-us/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [People are more important than things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/people-are-more-important-than-things/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [Anyone who knows me well will tell you that arrogance is one of my flaws.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/anyone-who-knows-me-well-will-tell-you-that-arrogance-is-one-of-my/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [When you do the right thing, good stuff has a way of happening.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/when-you-do-the-right-thing-good-stuff-has-a-way-of-happening/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [I don't believe in the no-win scenario](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/i-don-t-believe-in-the-no-win-scenario/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [Chemo days make me tired, though it's hard to say that's because of the chemo when you have kids who have inherited their dad's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/chemo-days-make-me-tired-though-it-s-hard-to-say-that-s-because-of/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [And even though I did not reach the National Football League, I sometimes think I got more from pursuing that dream, and not accomplishing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/and-even-though-i-did-not-reach-the-national-football-league-i/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [there should be some lessons learned and how you can use the stuff you hear today to achieve your dreams or enable the dreams…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/there-should-be-some-lessons-learned-and-how-you-can-use-the-stuff/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) [Explore all 347 Randy Pausch quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) ## More Attitude quotes > [“WE CAN'T ALWAYS CONTROL OUR CIRCUMSTANCES BUT WE CAN CONTROL OUR ATTITUDE. WE MUST BE MORE CONCERNED WITH WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT HAPPENS…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/we-can-t-always-control-our-circumstances-but-we-can-control-our/) [MARVIN J. ASHTON](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [It's not the method, it's the mindset.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-gilbert/it-s-not-the-method-it-s-the-mindset/) [Andy Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-gilbert/) > [The vision of the left, full of envy and resentment, takes its worst toll on those at the bottom - whether black or white…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-sowell/the-vision-of-the-left-full-of-envy-and-resentment-takes-its-worst/) [Thomas Sowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-sowell/) > [Changes before your eyes, things you can do and things you can't. My attitude is always let it keep rolling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terrence-malick/changes-before-your-eyes-things-you-can-do-and-things-you-can-t-my/) [Terrence Malick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terrence-malick/) > [Vow to be valiant. Resolve to be radiant. Determine to be dynamic. Strive to be sincere. Aspire to be attuned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-arthur-ward/vow-to-be-valiant-resolve-to-be-radiant-determine-to-be-dynamic/) [William Arthur Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-arthur-ward/) > [Don't judge me because I'm stupid. Don't judge me because I'm, mean. Don't judge me because I'm weird. Don't judge me for mistakes. Because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaiah-harden-me/don-t-judge-me-because-i-m-stupid-don-t-judge-me-because-i-m-mean-don/) Isaiah Harden (Me > [Your feelings (mood) dictate your thought, your thought determines your attitude (reactions) and your attitude describes your lifestyle, so: be careful how you feel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheye-hassan/your-feelings-mood-dictate-your-thought-your-thought-determines-your/) Sheye Hassan > [Success will come when the societal attitude changes and not a single woman in America asks herself the question 'What did I do?'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-biden/success-will-come-when-the-societal-attitude-changes-and-not-a-single/) [Joe Biden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-biden/) > [“Good Seeds! Gratitude is the Greatest Attitude that has no Substitute.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernard-kelvin-clive/good-seeds-gratitude-is-the-greatest-attitude-that-has-no-substitute/) [Bernard Kelvin Clive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernard-kelvin-clive/) > [Jeff Chu's pilgrimage across America to discover his own place as a gay man in the Christian church as well as attitudes about being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donna-freitas/jeff-chu-s-pilgrimage-across-america-to-discover-his-own-place-as-a/) [Donna Freitas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donna-freitas/) > [One genuine reason to feel jealous of my parents:-) I will never ever have a kid as awesome as their's...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/one-genuine-reason-to-feel-jealous-of-my-parents-i-will-never-ever/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm optimistic Hong Kong will achieve universal suffrage - no matter the attitude of Beijing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-wong/i-m-optimistic-hong-kong-will-achieve-universal-suffrage-no-matter/) [Joshua Wong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-wong/) > [My attitude it that you don't give in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phil-taylor/my-attitude-it-that-you-don-t-give-in/) [Phil Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phil-taylor/) > [Transparency pertains to impartial behavior, implies openness, communication, and accountability. Inculcate transparency in attitude and experience a life free of controversy and blame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dr-anil-kr-sinha/transparency-pertains-to-impartial-behavior-implies-openness/) [Dr Anil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dr-anil-kr-sinha/) > [And if the mind thinks with a believing attitude one can do amazing things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/and-if-the-mind-thinks-with-a-believing-attitude-one-can-do-amazing/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) [Browse all 9,543 Attitude quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Another way to be prepared is to think negatively. Yes, I'm a great optimist. but, when trying to make a decision, I often think of the worst case scenario. I call it 'the eaten by wolves factor.' If I do something, what's the most terrible thing that could happen? 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