Minimise and Maximise

More often than not, all of the problems we face in life are solvable regardless of difficulty. Consequentially, it would be advantageous for us to understand the types of actions we may carry out in our efforts to find a solution. One particular action is the paired management of positives and negatives. In simpler terms, maximising the good and minimising the bad.

For every task that we commit ourselves to, there are always two factors that influence our effectiveness in being successful. The negatives which are detrimental and the positives which are beneficial. Identify both the negatives and positives. Everything that serves to make your task more difficult, negative. Everything that helps you, positive. Then, ascertain which ones are within your control. It would be both frustrating and pointless to attempt to manipulate factors which are beyond your control. Finally, examine each of the controllable factors and find out how you can minimise the bad and maximise the good.

A relatable example is studying. Safe to say that each and every one of us are subjected to different factors which are beneficial and harmful to our ability to learn or memorise. Two popular phrases that display the act of minimising and maximising are "I make sure I have no Internet access if I don't need it" and "Music helps me focus". The former is an effort to minimise the bad (distraction). The latter, to maximise the good (focus).

Using studying as an example also highlights that the large majority of people have carried out the management of positives and negatives on a regular basis, akin to a habit. And like all things habitual, the lack of a conscious awareness prevents one from carrying out actions that may improve their habits. The advice I wish to share this time is to simply be conscious of this habit so that we may further benefit from it.

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