Inasmuch as positive thinking is a healthy, creative and productive approach to life, there IS something to be said about being the (occasional) Negative Nelly.
God, that's SO cheesy.
Negative Nelly.
I sound like Ned Flanders.
Whatever.
Flanders rules.
Still, negative thinking - despite its bad rap - CAN have positive attributes! When used (and timed) correctly.
See, posing occasional questions underscored with doubt and skepticism is a healthy way to maintain objectivity and curiosity.
And that's what leads to breakthrough thinking.
Because negative thinking - or, more specifically, negative questioning - is a protective measure.
It's challenging, counterintuitive and gives you permission to explore the downside without feeling like a Negative Nelly, Debbie Downer or Suzie Suckbag.
Suzy Suckbag? Where the hell did THAT come from? Anyway.
LESSON LEARNED: human beings NEED to have (occasional) negative thoughts.
In situations where you're evaluating, planning, discussing or offering and soliciting feedback, consider asking people (AND yourself, too) negative questions.
Today we're going to explore two lists of questions: first, for yourself and second, for your organization.
ASK YOURSELF...
o What are your three most limiting factors? o What is the stupidest thing I could say? o What is the stupidest thing I could do? o What are the three most common mistakes made by people my situation? o What's the worst thing that could happen? o What's the stupidest idea I could possibly have? o What type of person do I definitely NOT want to become? ASK OTHERS...
o What mistakes have you learned from? o What's the absolutely worst idea you could possibly come up with? o What mistakes did you make in your first year of business? o What was your last "what-not-to-be" lesson? o What are the common traits among those who have failed? o What was your last "what-not-to-do" lesson? o Is there a better way you can accomplish this goal? o What could derail your plans or block your ability to achieve your goal? REMEMBER: it takes a (fairly) positive person to make negative thinking work.
However, when used judiciously, asking negative questions can lead to some pretty cool break-diddely-ake-throughs.
LET ME ASK YA THIS...
Are you positive enough to (occasionally) think negative? LET ME SUGGEST THIS...
God, that's SO cheesy.
Negative Nelly.
I sound like Ned Flanders.
Whatever.
Flanders rules.
Still, negative thinking - despite its bad rap - CAN have positive attributes! When used (and timed) correctly.
See, posing occasional questions underscored with doubt and skepticism is a healthy way to maintain objectivity and curiosity.
And that's what leads to breakthrough thinking.
Because negative thinking - or, more specifically, negative questioning - is a protective measure.
It's challenging, counterintuitive and gives you permission to explore the downside without feeling like a Negative Nelly, Debbie Downer or Suzie Suckbag.
Suzy Suckbag? Where the hell did THAT come from? Anyway.
LESSON LEARNED: human beings NEED to have (occasional) negative thoughts.
In situations where you're evaluating, planning, discussing or offering and soliciting feedback, consider asking people (AND yourself, too) negative questions.
Today we're going to explore two lists of questions: first, for yourself and second, for your organization.
ASK YOURSELF...
o What are your three most limiting factors? o What is the stupidest thing I could say? o What is the stupidest thing I could do? o What are the three most common mistakes made by people my situation? o What's the worst thing that could happen? o What's the stupidest idea I could possibly have? o What type of person do I definitely NOT want to become? ASK OTHERS...
o What mistakes have you learned from? o What's the absolutely worst idea you could possibly come up with? o What mistakes did you make in your first year of business? o What was your last "what-not-to-be" lesson? o What are the common traits among those who have failed? o What was your last "what-not-to-do" lesson? o Is there a better way you can accomplish this goal? o What could derail your plans or block your ability to achieve your goal? REMEMBER: it takes a (fairly) positive person to make negative thinking work.
However, when used judiciously, asking negative questions can lead to some pretty cool break-diddely-ake-throughs.
LET ME ASK YA THIS...
Are you positive enough to (occasionally) think negative? LET ME SUGGEST THIS...
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