The imagination is so delicate that sometimes even words wound it

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Get positive by being negative

Do you know what you want out of life? Sometimes the things we DON'T want are more clear than the things we DO want. Yet if we dwell on what we DON'T want, even with the conscious intention to avoid it, we tend to get it. So the trick is to understand what we don't want, and then use that to formulate strong, appropriate positive goals, for the things we do want.

For example, let's say that one of your co-workers loses his job, and after more than 6 months is unable to find employment. His house is foreclosed and his family must move into a small apartment. You look at his unfortunate experience and realize that you don't want that scenario for yourself. Now, instead of worrying about losing your job, and your house, and dwelling on the negative, you must determine what goals you can set, and what actions you can take, so that you never end up in that situation.

Turn the fear into desire. It will be just as strong and will lead you in a more positive direction. Compare these two statements:

"Joe lost his job, and then lost his house. I sure don't want that to happen to me."

"Joe lost his job, and then lost his house. I've started a part-time business, and am building a second income that will give me financial independence."

Do you see the difference. Knowing what you DON'T want can be vastly more useful when you turn it into something you DO want. That's because it gives you a way to take positive action. It's hard to get very far just by avoidance. The best way to move away from one thing is to move toward another.

3 inspired and motivated:

Ubaid said...

ok love the post dude ;)

Mohammed Musthafa said...

hey...
agree with u fully...but yah, maybe i'm wrong...but the title is quite misleading right? get positive by being negative?? still, its true tht turning fear into goals is the best way to do things....

i think u'll like this post of mine...
www.laptopdiary.blogspot.com/2009/02/just-bat-and-ball.html

Anonymous said...

instead of building up on the fear, look at it as challenge

Post a Comment