Focus on the Negative

Focus on the Negative

From Wellsprings of Wisdom: Fascinating Stories and Parables that Guide and Inspire by Ralph Louis Woods comes this thought-provoking story:

“A successful businessman was invited to address a group of young executives on the subject of opportunities. He began his talk by tacking to the wall a big sheet of white paper and placing a black dot in the middle of the sheet. ‘What do you see?’ he asked, pointing to the paper on the wall. ‘A black spot,’ called out everyone in the audience. ‘Yes, I see a black dot too,’ replied the speaker, ‘but none of you saw the much greater expanse of white. This is the point of my talk on opportunities.”

It’s so easy to focus on the black dots–the immediate tasks that face us each day–how often do you grasp the opportunities that no one else notices in the white (negative) space? Don’t answer that you haven’t the time to notice the negative space. Do you ever find yourself daydreaming? When you do, you’re inside that space. The question is: do you recognize your ability to bring those daydreams to fruition?

Why not try filling in the negative space with working towards achieving your dreams? Make a list of every dream you’ve ever had–all of them. Once finished, place an asterisk next to the five you would most like to accomplish or experience.

Once the negative space is eliminated, your dreams become the black dot–your focal point!