From the moment we are born, we inherently feel both positive and negative emotions. Both are important to us for specific reasons.

Negative Emotions (Fear, sadness, anger, and disgust) are survival focused. These evolved to help us spot danger, react to threats, and to just simply stay alive.

Our brains naturally lean toward these negative feelings because avoiding threats was more critical for early human survival than seeking pleasure.

For that reason we are thought to be born with something called “Negativity Bias” .

Negativity and the fear, sadness, anger, or other emotions it produces can last a very long time because when we’re happy, our bias towards negativity doesn’t want us to stay that way.

Have you ever shared some great news with someone, only to get a response like “but what if something goes wrong”? That’s possibly a case of them sharing what they believe is a valid warning emanating from their Negativity Bias.

For us to disregard their comment would be irresponsible. Their comment may in fact be pointing out something we need to address up front. Once addressed we may alter our plans to avoid a negative outcome, or disregard depending on what we find.

Coming to terms with Negativity is essential. After all, its innate purpose is to protect us.

Lynn Kendall