Rely on the worse to make your best
The Stoics used negative visualization, a meditation technique where you think of worst case scenarios, to help themselves stay focused.
I used the technique once before performing.
Before I got on stage, I spent 20 minutes in a chair with my eyes closed. I thought of as many worst-case scenarios, ranging from people booing to me tripping on the mic cord. During the process, I felt sadness, guilt, and anger.
Soon, however, I noticed something.
Every problem:
- Had a simple solution (notice the mic cord before getting on and step on stage the other way
- Could walk away from (if they booed, just go home)
- Or was impossible (There isn’t going to be a stampede of rhinos [don’t ask])
The genius of the exercise is that by slowing down and acknowledging problems, one by one, our minds get out of fight or flight.
The next time an issue gives you pause and makes you panic, find a few minutes on your schedule and think about the worst outcomes.
Our brains are natural problem solvers. Give it space to go to work.
From the desk of Adam Thomas 