Why is it that bad news travels faster than good news? What is it that urges us to pass along bad news more often than good news?
When I look at my values, and the goals I have for my life. I want to focus on being positive, and recognizing others. This is not consistent with the fact that we love to talk about bad news.
The conflict can be traced to many factors. Not everyone is influenced equally by these factors.
1. Insecurity – If you are not secure in yourself, then you may knowingly or unknowingly feel good about making someone else feel bad. If you are insecure, then you want to show you are better than others. To feel secure about yourself, you have to learn more about yourself. A person that is secure doesn’t need individual recognition, but shares recognition with others.
2. Attention – Some of us just like attention. There are people that like to be on stage. Telling bad news gets the attention of others, and in turn creates attention for the story teller. If this is you, then try to refocus your energy and your stage performance to positive aspects.
3. Society and unawareness – Our modern society and media successfully focuses on bad news. Good news stories rarely make the headlines. Bad news stories are always the lead story, and many drag on for days and weeks. Educating yourself to become aware of the good things happening around you can help you share a positive story.
Take this challenge. When you hear bad news, don’t be a person that perpetuates the communication chain. Keep the bad news to yourself, and instead find good news that can replace the bad news in the conversation.
It is not easy, when those around you want to gossip about bad news. But work to stay true to your own values. The more you practice the easier it gets.