If you think positively, does that mean that you shouldn't pay any attention to things that are negative? 

I was giving a talk for a business group recently, and someone in the audience had the following comment and question. He said, "People who think positively are OK, but too much of the time they're out of touch with reality. They're so busy thinking positively that they ignore the danger signs. The next thing you know they're in big trouble. When you point out that they could have seen it coming, they don't like it one little bit. How can you pay attention to both positive and negative things at the same time?" 

I thought his question was important enough to share with you. Here's what I told him. Take physical health, for example. If I'm a positive thinker, I am nevertheless alert for signs of disease, and if I find it, I take corrective action, fast. Now, while I'm taking the corrective action, I focus on getting the best possible results, and I know that even if I don't get them, I will use the experience to learn from and to grow.

Negative thinking, on the other hand, is worrying so much about a possible negative outcome that you don't bother to check for danger signs. And, if you find them, you don't go to the doctor because you're afraid of what he or she may tell you, because you expect nothing but disaster. 

The same things are true for corporations, families, any person in any situation. You don't ignore current reality, but you keep your focus on a positive future.