To Paint the Devil on the Wall

The saying 'to paint the devil on the wall' is a German saying that's often used to tell people they're being too pessimistic.

When I first heard it, it struck me as the Stoic idea for removing fear by contemplating the worst case, Premeditatio Malorum.

I'm reading Outwitting the Devil by Napolian Hill. In his interview with the Devil, the devil says he's negative energy and that's how he gains control over people. Fear being one of his best weapons.

Using fear, he stops people from thinking for themselves. And they become drifters. Doing nothing. Accomplishing nothing.

I had a teacher, I wish I could remember who, that said 'don't be a jellyfish'. She meant the same thing. Don't just float along with the currents. Choose a path.

Should we paint the devil on the wall?

I'm going to.

Then pick it apart. Think through the worst cases. Dispel the fears and negative energy. And finally act accordingly.

Will it work? Is it real? Who knows. I know negative visualization has been helpful for me in the past. Old sayings sometimes offer great advise. Negative energy and fear are a idea of the Devil I can understand.

Who cares what I think... What do YOU think?