Studies seem to indicate that at our core, we have a negativity bias. We were apparently able to evolve because of it, as it is seemingly more costly to miss signs of danger, such as a voracious predator, unsafe conditions or extreme exposure than to miss those of food and water, safe passage, or warm, dry shelter. In other words, it appears that our brain is hard-wired to constantly overestimate threats that not only could ruin one of our ancestor’s days over the past millennia or so, but indeed end their life in any number of unique and highly unpleasant ways. Ostensibly, this helped ensure our early ancestor’s survival.
It seems to me that this makes sense, as way back then our very early ancestors could afford to miss a meal on any given day, I suppose, provided they lived to see the next day to search anew.
In my opinion, this negativity bias remains a positive still, because surviving in today’s First World, despite it being far removed from that inhabited by those early hunters and gatherers, isn’t easy. Whether in the sprawling urban jungle or in a sleepy rural town, the danger isn’t a ravenous, carnivorous wild animal, steep, treacherous mountain terrain or the lack of an ideally located, habitable cave, it’s the criminal element, being hit by any number of means of transportation, and rising housing and food costs.
So, with that, we certainly should accept that these are real threats to our well-being and recognize them. Now, the first two are relatively doable in dealing with, by maintaining an awareness of our surroundings and, if need be, reacting quickly and decisively. Of course, any and all that have to live and/or work in crime-ridden areas, need to be hyper-aware and having said that, dangerous environments exist everywhere. From school campuses and shopping centers to places of work and worship, in today’s First World, sadly, common assault can occur anywhere and cyber attacks are carried out everywhere.
The other two; the rising costs of shelter – whether buying or renting – and sustenance, are going to require much more from us to overcome than being wary and staying alert, and are partly, in a way, what provided the genesis of Make More Monie, as indicated on our “Welcome” page.
Finding a place to stay; a place to get out of the elements and a warm meal, initially, for most of us, is not that hard. Between our home growing up and our first place on our own, whether it’s for post-secondary education or our first apartment as working adults, we generally have support from family as we begin our journey. Even if some of us are unfortunately driven from our childhood or other homes due to any number of unfortunate circumstances, there are services available to help us. Finding a place that we can call our own and be able to live in for as long as we want or need, though, either by renting or buying, is another thing altogether. As is the availability of quality protein, fruits and vegetables, not because they are scarce, but because the money needed for those hungry and looking to purchase it all, is.
Getting back to negativity bias and us being hard-wired to constantly overestimate threats, it seems to me then, that this surely somewhat interferes with our ability to recognize, then subsequently capitalize, on opportunity. So if we want to do more than survive in today’s cold, cruel and competitive environment, in addition to being aware of negativity bias and other biases – both cognitive and emotional – we also have to keep them in check. Ensuring mastery over these biases is critical because if we are ever to thrive in today’s First World, it is imperative we look for and then clearly recognize opportunity from whoever, wherever, whenever and however it can be found. Then, once discovered, we absolutely have to marshal every single bit of ourselves we can muster to capitalize on it.
By this, I mean staying healthy, getting ample sleep, exercising, eating well and establishing a strong, prolonged, laser-focus on the objective. Also required reigning in is our natural tendency to avoid hard, disciplined and effective work and instead embrace it; attacking the challenge head on, because with every day that passes in the dog-eat-dog world we live in, it becomes more and more of an everyone-for-themselves one.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein should not be construed or considered professional advice. Nonetheless, thanks for reading! If it resonates, there’s “plenty more where that came from” on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube ‘n’ Twitter.