How can a pessimist practice Stoicism without fighting their nature?

I’ve always leaned toward expecting the worst, and honestly, it’s helped me prepare for tough situations in my work and life. But lately, I’ve been curious about Stoicism specifically, how it encourages focusing on what’s within our control. For those of you familiar with Stoic practices, how do you apply them without suppressing a naturally cautious or pessimistic outlook? I’m wondering if it’s possible to acknowledge potential negatives while still cultivating resilience, rather than forcing optimism. What has worked for you in balancing acceptance with proactive thinking?