ABSTRACT: This paper addresses on how the persons termed as „Defensive Pessimists‟ approach towards achieving their goal. They set low expectations of their performance especially when faced with risky situations in order to prepare themselves well and so avoid potential failure. Besides, they also use anxiety to motivate themselves to perform better in their tasks. Further, setting low target goals and employing anxiety as a motivating factor is a type of “cover” devised with the aim to protect themselves from losing their respect, honour and position in the society.