A common teaching image used to establish whether one is a negative or positive thinker involves a sheet of paper with one small black dot on it. When people are asked what they see, the majority point out the dot, the flaw, rather than seeing a entire blank sheet of paper. This reveals the reality that people tend to focus in imperfections and issues. If you’re a perfectionist or a pessimist or both, the result is more anguish and suffering.
An example of this everyday issue emerges in the life of actor Kirk Douglas. Early in his career when he was unknown and performing in plays, a New York Times theater critic wrote this review of his performance in a play called The Wind is Ninety: “Kirk Douglas is nothing short of superb.” Obviously it was a glowing endorsement of his acting skill. Yet, that evening as Douglas lay in bed, he was repeatedly saying to himself one word from the review: “Nothing….nothing…” and thought to himself “why couldn’t they just say ‘Kirk Douglas is superb’?”
An example of this everyday issue emerges in the life of actor Kirk Douglas. Early in his career when he was unknown and performing in plays, a New York Times theater critic wrote this review of his performance in a play called The Wind is Ninety: “Kirk Douglas is nothing short of superb.” Obviously it was a glowing endorsement of his acting skill. Yet, that evening as Douglas lay in bed, he was repeatedly saying to himself one word from the review: “Nothing….nothing…” and thought to himself “why couldn’t they just say ‘Kirk Douglas is superb’?”
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