Why being negative actually helps

by Peter Shallard

Yesterday’s article was a short and sweet burst of negativity into your otherwise comfortable day.

Negative thinking rocks!

Why would I set such a horrible and negative exercise? The answer is simple: There’s a bunch of benefits to being “constructively negative” – including increased productivity, creativity and effectiveness.

Read on to find out why…


The problem with purely positive thinking is two-fold:


1. You run into problems by constructing a mental universe where everything is perfect (when it isn’t)

2. You create a nasty in congruence with your inner self (which always knows the truth) that leads to the most insidious form of self-sabotage


Getting negative can be wonderfully empowering because it drives you to respect the reality of your situation and limitations.

The exciting part is where you look at your “worst case scenario” list… or your measly list of resources… and decide to go ahead and take action anyway.


Tough times, crunches and bad days are the best time to launch a new project, idea or business. If your initiative can survive the initial challenges it’s far more likely to be ultimately successful.


Without negativity you can never even begin to plan your strategy for getting around problems and limitations. Positive thinking produces amazing dreams, visions and goals. Negative thinking produces powerful business plans and strategies.


Embrace it – use planned bursts of negative, constructing thinking to flesh out your positive visions and goals. This is, after all, a strategy of top entrepreneurs.


Speak up in the comment section: What positive dreams of yours could benefit from some negativity?

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