The Reverse Doesn't Work

I learned his principle a long time ago after listening to a Denis Waitley audio recording.  It is a great reminder for us still.

The principle:  “You can’t concentrate on the reverse of an idea.”

If I were to say to you, “Don’t forget to do such and such,”  that would not be the best way to help you remember whatever it is that I wanted you to remember. 

Instead say, “Remember to do such and such.”

What you want is for the person to whom you are speaking to remember to do or go or bring or whatever action verb you may wish to add.  By simply stating the request in the positive framework you reinforce the action that is needed.

Denis reminds us that it takes the brain 47% longer to process the reverse of an idea than it does to state it in a positive framework.

Just a small idea that pays huge dividends when used consistently.

P Michael Biggs

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