"Via negativa" is the study of what *not* to do.

It can be really useful when talking to people who have "done it before" (which is the fastest and simplest way to help you figure things out). Since they lived it, they can still remember what it was like, what they tried, what failed, and what worked.

In the same way that one route to success is to stop doing unsuccessful things, the value in such a conversation might be in asking about mistakes, pitfalls etc (of which there are likely many), versus the things that worked out (of which there are probably few, and very specific to a time/place/situation).

For instance:

1. Can you share a specific instance when things didn't go as planned during your journey? What were the main factors contributing to the setback?

2. What were the key lessons you learned from the experience of things *not* working out?

3. How did you handle failure or setbacks during your journey, and what strategies or mindset shifts helped you bounce back?

4. Were there any warning signs or red flags you overlooked that later led to difficulties? How would you approach those warning signs differently now?

5. In hindsight, what adjustments or changes would you have made earlier to prevent or mitigate the challenges you faced?

I know, sounds negative, but if you're doing things right, the path to success is probably through a ton of mistakes. Finding them out, being able to see them up ahead and having a plan to deal with them will pay off.