The Power of Negative Thinking

Many great leaders, including Shackleton and  Mr. Kitashiro keep insisting the importance of being positive. Obviously it is true that positive thinking provides various benefits. However, surprisingly, some people support the idea of being negative. It totally depends on what kind of job you work for or what kind of action you take, but it might be necessary to be discreet in some situations. 

This idea seems exactly opposite of what we learned, but I found this interesting and somehow persuaded. For example, if you arrange to meet somebody, probably you do not want to be late, especially when you are the host of some kind of meeting or meeting with your boss. What you do is probably going the place earlier and wait until they come. You might be there 30 mins earlier even though 15 mins is enough because you think what if the train would be delayed, what if your boss do not know the meeting place and get lost. This negative thinking is actually meaningful. You are able to avoid risks and cope with them because you already expect the worsest situation beforehand. However, of course, it is meaningless if you only beware of the worsest and do not take any action. Consequently, the balance between the positive and negative thinking is essential.

I personally think that when I go abroad, this negative thinking is worth. We live in this safe and peaceful country, Japan and do not really aware of own security (compare with other countries, I guess?). However, there are many countries you have to save your life by yourself, then it is really important to expect the worsest situation and try to avoid it, which lead to save your life.