Negativity and stickiness

One of the main messages of Strengths Finder 2.0, a book by Gallup's Tom Rath, is that most of the times we focus too hard in solving our shortcomings instead of in boosting our strengths.

First thought:
We focus on the negative -improving defects-, instead of going with the flow -prop up our strengths- which definitely sounds a little bit less strenuous. This reminds me to that martial arts' principle that advises to leverage the force of the opponent instead of wasting our energy opposing him directly.

Second thought:
Tom Rath estates that our culture has created icons out of people who have succeeded thanks to this "you can do anything" approach: underdog, no talent, works hard, faces the challenge and prevails. From Chip and Dan Heath's Made to Stick perspective, this is a perfect example of the "David vs. Goliath" plot. This would be one factor that explains why these icons - or stories at the end of the day- "stick" in our minds. (see other factors, in my previous post mice and books)