Rule #9 in our continued list of productivity tips is:
Criticize yourself no matter what. Also, make sure that your first thought of others is silent criticism. This will ensure that you will be defensive about anything you do or create because your reaction to all criticism will be that everyone is attacking you, just like your inner dialogue is always attacking others.
Pessimism is easier (remember everyone else is to blame so woe is you!) so I always choose that instead of optimism. It helps me be more productive because angry energy is better than happy energy.