Focus on potential, not the present
Many times, it’s commonly recommended to look beyond the present circumstances and envision a positive potential.
For example, upon first glance in the 1990s, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could have been dismissed by skeptics as a dead desert town. Back then, it would have been hard to believe that all kinds of tourists and international visitors would flock to a wealthy maritime desert city. The pictures below illustrate how the city has grown over the years. In fact, there appears to be even more potential for growth, as indicated by plans for future structures that are mentioned here.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates around 1990
Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2003
Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2004
Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2007
However, it is also important not to overlook or cloud out the negative future potential of something. It can be tempting to fall prey to misplaced optimism and Kool-Aid drinking. Nevertheless, something which appears to be fine and dandy at the present may just be a recipe for disaster. I’m sure you can think of many examples of this, especially in light of the economic events that have unfolded.
No matter how terrible or great something appears at the present time, it is important to consider both the positive and negative potential.
