Banish Constant Negative Thinking
By Les Huysmans
I was cleaning out my GDrive the other day and came upon an e-book called 101 Activities for Teaching Creativity and Problem Solving by Arthur B. Van Gundy. Not sure whether to keep it or not, I went through some of its content, and came across an interesting activity about negative thinking.
It basically suggested, either alone or with others, to discuss a solution or idea related to a current (preferably real) problem, and write down all the reasons why it should not be accepted. After a few minutes, compare your list with the one below. You’ll probably find more than a few familiar items:
- Our problem is different.
- We tried that once before.
- We don’t have enough time.
- We don’t have enough help.
- Our system is too small for this.
- We’ve always done it this way.
- Our present method is time-tested and reliable.
- It’s impractical.
- It’s ahead of its time.
- It’s behind the times.
- We’re not ready for it yet.
- We’ve had too much of this lately.
- We can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
- Our young, progressive group doesn’t need it.
- It will require a heavy investment.
- It will never pay for itself.
- If no investment is required, how do we expect it to work?
- It’s too radical.
- It’s almost the same as what we’re doing now.
- It looks good on paper, but it won’t work.
- The board won’t like it.
- It’s outside my scope of responsibility.
- It conflicts with policy.
- The present method is working. Why rock the boat?
Now, try making a list of reasons why you should accept that idea or solution. Odds are, that list is much shorter. It’s easier to be negative than positive. Safer, even. But if humans had always played it safe, we might still be out hunting large animals for our daily meals.
So how can we build more balanced responses to new ideas?
1. See ideas as raw materials
Treat ideas like clay — they may not look like much at first, but they can be shaped and improved. Even if something seems unworkable, don’t toss it out. It might become useful when combined with another idea later on.
2. Mine for value
Don’t judge ideas only on their immediate fit. Identify any positive or promising aspects, even if they don’t apply right now. Save them for later.
3. Respond with balance
Lead with the positives. Share what you like or what might work, and then mention what needs improving. Show that the idea has potential, even if it’s not quite there yet.
4. Resist the easy reflex
Negative thinking is easy — and contagious. If you always default to what’s wrong or risky, someone else will move forward while you stay stuck. Don’t let habit block growth. Weigh up the pros and cons. Every now and then, take the jump.
If this sparked anything — questions, rants, good old curiosity — come say hi via the About Les page.