Why Scepticism is a Strength, Not a Flaw

Meet Negative Nancy. She’s the one worrying about sharks on a beach day, stressing over Christmas by October, and panicking over a haircut that didn’t go quite to plan. At first glance, Nancy might seem like a buzzkill in the land of Positive Pete. But look a little closer, and you’ll see something more: a deeply thoughtful, emotionally intelligent character who values safety, planning, and realism in a chaotic world.

At Custodians of Change, we introduced Nancy not to criticise those who feel too much or anticipate the worst, but to honour them. Because the truth is—doubt, worry, and caution are often the signs of someone who cares deeply.

The Problem With Pretending Everything’s Fine

We live in a world that can be quick to dismiss scepticism as negativity. People are told to “just be positive”, “don’t worry”, or “trust the process”—even when they can feel, somewhere deep inside, that something doesn’t sit right.

But as Jodie Sherwin Hill often reminds us, “Trust is not immediate—it’s built slowly, carefully, and consciously.” Nancy understands that. Her concerns are rarely about drama. They’re about discernment. She knows that behind the sparkle of good intentions can be messy execution, unclear motives, or a risk that others might overlook.

When we silence people like Nancy in the name of good vibes, we risk ignoring red flags, repeating old mistakes, or rushing into commitments that don’t serve us. Nancy’s voice is the voice of protective doubt—and it deserves space at the table.

Why Nancy Still Matters

Nancy brings depth to the dialogue. She asks the hard questions. She senses when something’s off. She feels everything—and while that can look like overreaction on the surface, it’s often because she’s reading signals that others miss.

In a world of Positivity Culture, Nancy brings Emotional Accuracy. She reminds us:

• To pause before we say yes.
• To prepare before we leap.
• To reflect before we trust.

Nancy doesn’t want to ruin the party—she just wants to make sure everyone gets home safe. And that matters.

When to Call on Nancy (and When Not To)

Call on Nancy when:

• You’re navigating a new relationship, role, or situation and need to stay alert.
• Your gut says “something’s not right” and you need to listen more deeply.
• You’re feeling anxious and want to name it instead of suppressing it.

Hold back on Nancy when:

• You’re catastrophising before you’ve gathered the facts.
• The situation calls for courage, not control.
• You’re projecting fear from the past onto a present that’s actually safe.
  

From Overthinker to Emotional Guide

At Custodians of Change, we believe in embracing the full emotional spectrum—from joy and hope to worry and hesitation. Nancy isn’t broken, dramatic, or ‘too much’—she’s necessary. She becomes truly powerful when teamed with Balance, who helps regulate her intensity, and Pete, who can gently offer a shift in perspective.

Nancy doesn’t need to be fixed—she needs to be heard, supported, and gently grounded.

So next time Nancy starts spiralling over imperfect plans or worrying about invisible sharks, take a breath with her. Ask what she’s really trying to protect. Honour her insights. And then decide—with Balance leading the way—what your next move should be.