These days we are overloaded with information and media outlets competing to give us more. This creates something of a challenge, because the evolution of our brains taught us to be constantly on alert for anything that would cause us harm. Alert under normal conditions, when stimulated our fight or flight response is activated. The media knows
that the first stop for incoming information is an organ primed to pick up on danger.
A recent survey showed that over 90% of news stories are pessimistic. With this much 'bad' news accessing our consciousness it's no wonder a doom and gloom outlook pervades so many people's thinking. Good news just doesn't get our attention.
Unless we start to think differently.
The reality is far from the negative state of affairs the media would have us believe. We are better off now and
getting better every day, than we have ever been. We are living in the most peaceful time in world history. Even the 'poorest' people in western society have access to fresh water, sanitation, television and a telephone. These 'luxuries' were denied even to the wealthiest 100 years ago and we are living longer, healthier less risky lives. Breathable air, standards for drinkable water and antibiotics have eliminated the main causes of an early death.
So why aren't we all confident and
optimistic about the future? Aren't our brains clever enough to filter out all the bad news and focus on the good news instead?
Of course the answer is yes. But it takes an ability for critical thinking and courage to overcome what are called cognitive biases. One of these is the negative bias.
Because our brains are programmed to be on alert for the worst happening we are naturally pessimistic. Standing
'out from the crowd' and claiming that the world is getting better every day makes you a bit weird.
It's hard to be optimistic because the brain's processing filters are designed to make us pessimistic and it is in the media's best interest to concentrate on bad news.
There is hope, however. Science has now proven that wired into the slower-moving, thinking (rather than reacting) part of our brains is a desire to make a difference and positive improvement to our environment (the
world in which we live). We seek a purpose in our lives. But when reaction time is critical for survival there isn't much time for thinking. If you are worried about paying your mortgage you're unlikely to be grateful you can flush the toilet.
But we should be, because the only tool we have for tackling the challenges we face is the passionate and focused human mind. The information revolution we are experiencing today (and which is spreading around the world) will result in even more new
products, discoveries and inventions than we have ever had access to.
As entrepreneurial business owners these products, discoveries and inventions open up extraordinary possibilities. One thing history tells us is that advances in technology increase wealth at the same time (think railways, telephones, the Internet). The best way to create wealth as an entrepreneur is to positively impact the lives of others. For those who want to create that wealth in their lives the solution is to join
the business owners who are creating positive change in the world.
And it all starts with thinking differently.
To your success.
Noel Guilford
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