When Negative Thinking Can Be useful
“Everything is going wrong in my life.”
“What can go wrong?.”
Both these statements might looks similar to great extent…isn’t it?
But no.
If you read them carefully, both of them carry different meaning.
When you say everything is going wrong in my life, it hints towards habitual negativity. You are at this stage of life where everything seems dark, hopeless or even directionless.
On the contrary, when you say what can go wrong, you are anticipating risk or danger. This prepares your mind for worst-case scenario and takes necessary steps to reduce the intensity of potential harm. This kind of thinking is also termed as strategic negative thinking.
Anticipation is key
Negative thinking gets a bad reputation because of its harmful impact on emotional wellness. In fact, chronic negativity could be the significant reason for development of mental disorders including depression, anxiety, and stress.
But what if I say anticipation is the key. While chronic negativity is a significant reason for emotional disturbance, strategic negativity (defensive pessimism) actually helps to prevent problems.
It may sound wired. But what I can say this is real.
Let’s check about how strategic negative thinking works. A strategic negative thinking helps you to anticipate and prepare for risk i.e thinking what can go wrong?
For example, suppose you are going on a long trip, you check for safety gears anticipating risk of collision or accident. So, anticipation is a key part of defensive pessimism, which is essential for maintaining safety.
In short, using negative thoughts as signals for potential problems, you can take necessary actions to address them rather than getting stuck in worry.
It says that hope for the best and prepared for the worst.
Yes, we absorb what we think. If we think positively, we can attract positive outcomes. But at the same time, we need to be caution about challenges, risks and potential dangers. When we prepared our mind for the worst, it act improve our problem-solving and decision-making capability.
Let me clear this with above mentioned example of long trip.
Suppose your goal is to reach at your destined place safely within a limited time frame. This is a positive goal, and you can 100% achieve your goal seamlessly.
But, now imagine all the obstacles that can ruin your trip. It could be bad weather, bad road conditions, traffic jam, or mechanical problems in a vehicle etc. When you are aware on what can go wrong on your journey, you can actually avoid last minute surprises. Taking an information on weather condition, road conditions, and traffic helps to opt for alternative pathways to reach at your destination. Moreover, checking your vehicle before leaving ensures better motor safety.
You see strategic negative thinking is a much better approach for planning.
In fact, strategic negative thinking could be your path to getting to a happier place.
Remember that life is not always rose colored and there are way too many bad things you may ignore. And these may come in the form of unexpected surprises. So, it always better to plan for the worst possible outcomes. This mental preparation allows you to handle challenges with hope and positivity.
Food for thought
As you know, positive mindset helps you to enjoy life experiences worth remembering. But at the same time strategic negative thinking, helps you to accept the darker part of life where you need skills like risk assessment and self-awareness. Staying alert to danger could save your precious life.
Without the negative you cannot evaluate your experiences, or experience true sense of satisfaction.
In sum, think positive about the destination but use the power of strategic negative thinking to make moments memorable.
Disclaimer : The purpose of this blog is to create emotional health awareness. This information is not a replacement for medical treatment or counseling therapy.
