Negative Bias by Jim Stovall
In my own unscientific, life-long study of human performance and success, it seems to me that most people think negative thoughts, speak negative words, and expect negative outcomes and, inevitably, they get what they expect. I have long pondered, in a world where there are so many positive thoughts and positive circumstances, why the majority of people dwell on the negative side of the equation.
My working theory is based on the premise that human beings, during prehistoric times, lived in a hostile environment that threatened their very existence on a daily basis. Since before we human beings came together in societies and cultures, our very lives depended on constantly looking for dangerous, destructive situations and avoiding them. I have no scientific evidence to support my theory, but no one else has any evidence to refute my theory; so until there’s better research, I’m going to stick with my conclusion that human beings developed in a hostile and negative world.
Every circumstance or situation offers us the opportunity to have a positive or a negative perception. After enjoying a wonderful family meal at home, you might find yourself lamenting the negative vision of a sink overflowing with dirty dishes that you have to wash. While washing dishes is probably no one’s idea of a positive experience, let’s examine the entire picture before we draw a conclusion.
After enjoying a wonderful family dinner, you should feel very positive that you have a family, that they have food to eat, and that they are willing and able to share a meal together. Many people around the world do not have a family, don’t have enough food to eat, and are in a situation where no one wants to share a special occasion with them. As you approach the sink filled with dirty dishes, you could feel negative about the task before you, or you could feel positive because you have dishes—as well as a sink to put them in—in your modern kitchen that would be the envy of most of the seven billion people who inhabit planet Earth today.
Traffic jams may be a negative waste of time and frustration, or they could be a reminder that you have a comfortable vehicle with the fuel you need to get anywhere you might need or want to go. Tax returns can be a negative hassle or a positive reminder that you made money in the previous year and your tax dollars, along with your fellow citizens’ taxes, pay for roads, schools, and the dedicated first-responders who keep us safe as we enjoy the many positive benefits of the wonderful life we’ve been given.
As you go through your day today, remember, while there may be reasons to be negative, there are always more reasons to be positive.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network as well as a published author of many books, including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. Listen to his Wisdom for Winners series on Audible. Follow him on Twitter (@stovallauthor) or Facebook (@jimstovallauthor).