Green Flags

Photo by Quincy Follweiler on Unsplash

By nature, organisms are risk-averse, and so are humans. We want to notice what is off first. The pimple in the middle of the face. The crooked teeth making that crooked smile. The crow’s feet on the face.

When we ask for feedback, we anticipate some positive criticism. However, we’ll be heavy on the negatives and brush over the positive, to see how to improve, naturalita.

Red flags follow easily from our natural predisposition.

Strangely enough, if we seek red flags, we will find them. Like a couple that digs into each other’s phones for some dirt. They will find it. And often, interpreted out of context.

Being hurt hurts. So we’d rather have our walls steady than break them down only to get yet again.

By the same measure, green flags can be sought and found.

Why don’t we start such a habit? Why don’t we stress the need to find green flags with as much energy as red flags? Won’t we all be better because of it?