Back in the 90’s I learned an uncommon method of idea generation called “reverse brainstorming”. This works just like a standard brainstorm, but the object is to come up with items that will put you as far away as possible from achieving an objective. Within this method when a “how not to list” is completed one goes back and reverses all the negative statements into positive and helpful ones.

Anyone can come up with a list of to “do/don’t-do’s” that contribute to “a long, healthful and fulfilling life”. However when the subject is reversed, insight from a different vantage point often comes from brainstorming how NOT to achieve an objective. For example, here’s a list of brainstormed ideas about “how to have a short, unhealthy and unfulfilling life”.

1. Be self-destructive. Do everything in excess. Drink, smoke, do drugs, overeat and always ignore signs of illness and sickness. Get as little sleep as possible.

2. Make life all about money. Get a personal identity through material possessions. Let more never be enough. Possess to impress.

3. Spend lots of time reliving the past. Harbor resentments. Hold onto grudges. Never forget and always try to get even.

4. Have no personal integrity. Be irresponsible and indifferent. Steal, lie, and cheat. Only you matter. Other people are irrelevant.

5. Zone-out as much as possible. Lots of television and/or video games. Spend hours on-line wandering around, gambling and looking at porn.  Be Compulsive.

6. Play it safe. Never take even the smallest chance. Settle far short of one’s dreams. Don’t take risks, even calculated ones. Give up often and easily.
 
7. Dislike life as much as possible. Be unsatisfied, ungrateful. Complain about everything. Whine a lot. Make sure everyone knows your unhappiness.

8. Live in the future. Spend little time on ‘now’ and focus on what will be. Imagine and fantasize how the future will be better in all ways. Think, don’t do.

9. Dislike all people. Be selfish. Be prejudiced. Be a hater. Show contempt to other people. Never be kind. Always rough and crude.

10. Make it near impossible for others to love you. People matter only for what they can give you or do for you. Be obnoxious. Be aloof. Let fear keep people from getting close.

So how’s that for a list. Successfully applying even just a few of them effectively could certainly result in the achievement of “a short, unhealthy and unfulfilling life”.

Here’s the list “reversed” in synopsis form:
1. Don’t be self-destructive. Drink little or none. Don’t smoke. Rest. Good self-care.
2. Life is not about money. Get your personal identity from living and loving.
3. Get out of the past. Let go resentments and grudges. Hold onto mistakes.
4. Have personal integrity. Responsible, caring. Don’t steal, lie and cheat.
5. Be engaged with life. Moderate distraction. Careful of what addicts you. .
6. Don’t always play it safe. Take risks for your dreams. Don’t settle easily.
7. Fall in love with life. Be satisfied and grateful. Try not to complain or whine.
8. Live in “now” and not the future. Focus on living your life well today.
9. See good in others. Openly be kind. Don’t be selfish, prejudiced and never hate.
10.Let people love you. Be thoughtful and gentle. Don’t let fear keep others away.

On a regular basis I end up with absolutely no idea where a concept to write here comes from. Sometimes an idea feels almost divinely delivered. Such was the case this morning in the unorthodox creation of a list for better living using “reverse brainstorming”. I am grateful for the “reversed list” of good living reminders and even more thankful for the unknown source of the idea;  the light in the dark that always seems to come to me when I need it.

I am so much more when I realize I am not all there is.

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it. Groucho Marx