Do you know any critics of positive thinking? Have you heard the argument that positive thinking is just a way of hiding from reality?
The question of whether or not positive thinking has any measurable benefits has interested science for a number of years. For the most part, studies are focused on identifying possible physical benefits.
As researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health, they have come to some interesting conclusions. Their results show that positive thinking benefits include:
* Decreased negative stress
* Greater resistance to catching the common cold
* A sense of well-being and improved health
* Reduced risk of coronary artery disease
* Easier breathing if you have certain lung diseases
* Better coping skills in difficult situations
Positive thinking people are HAPPIER
Pessimists are more inwardly focused and have more depression, anxiety and other mental health problems in general. Positive people have a greater capacity for love, joy and warmth that brings happiness into their lives, and also into the lives of their families and everyone else around them. This increased capacity for love means that they are loved more in return because they are more outwardly focused, kinder and more considerate to others.
Positive thinking people are HEALTHIER
It’s still somewhat unclear to researchers why people who practice positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body. Hello, who wants less stress?
Positive thinking people are MORE SUCCESSFUL
To put it another way, successful people tend to think positively. Optimists are happier and more productive in their jobs, get promoted quicker and earn more than pessimists. These people set higher goals, persist at them longer, and achieve more of them.
Turning negative thinking into positive thinking
Self-talk has a huge influence on the overall direction of our thoughts. Negative self-talk is an easy habit to slip into, especially if you are surrounded by negative people. So, the first step toward a more positive mindset is to change the tone of our self-talk.
Like any other bad habit, before we can change it we need to become more consciously aware that we are doing it. Periodically during the day, stop and evaluate the tone of your thinking and self-talk. If you find that they have been negative, work on finding ways to put a positive spin on them. Make a game out of it.
Start by following one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. If it’s not worth saying out loud, it’s probably not worthy of saying to yourself.
Here are some examples of typical negative self-talk and how you might put a more positive spin on these internal (or external) conversations.
| Negative self-talk | Positive spin |
| I’ve never done it before. | It’s an opportunity to learn something. |
| It’s too complicated. | I’ll tackle it from a different angle. |
| I don’t have the resources. | Necessity is the mother of invention. |
| There’s not enough time. | Let’s re-evaluate some priorities. |
| There’s no way it will work. | I can learn to make it work. |
| It’s too radical a change. | Let’s take a chance. |
| No one communicates with me. | I will start the conversation. |
| I’m not getting any better at this. | I want to give it another chance. |
Becoming an optimist
If you tend to have a negative outlook, don’t expect to become an optimist overnight. But with practice and focus, you will automatically move away from self-criticism and toward self-acceptance. You will likely find yourself feeling less critical of the world around you as well.
Practicing positive self-talk will improve your outlook. As your state of mind becomes increasingly more optimistic, you will be able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way.
So, what do you think? Can positive thinking really improve your life? Well, let’s see; less stress, happier disposition, better health, and greater success – sounds pretty conclusive to me. How about you?
Is positive thinking something that you believe in?
Do you have some tips for maintaining a positive outlook?
The lines are open!
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{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Jonathan,
I’m all for positive thinking!!! Healthier, happier, more successful!! I’ll take that….and….well, it just feels good! (hmm…maybe that’s the happier part!)
I noticed the other day, as I was out driving, and thinking I was going to be late to wherever – that I was starting to get irritated at how “slow” everyone was going. What I’ve done recently, though – is when I notice this – I consciously make an effort to focus on the positive of the moment (and the truth is – sometimes I miss these moments altogether). When I do that – and see the good (like going slower means I can notice more of my surroundings, or I can take a different road and different scenery) – I become almost instantly happier on the inside. And that is a pretty great feeling!!
I’m guessing you are a pretty positive guy, aren’t you Jonathan!!
Lance´s last amazing blog post ..What Does It Start With?
Hey Lance, your little story really illustrates how much control we have over any situation in life. Focus is so very powerful, but we need to direct it in a positive way or it’s not doing us any good.
Ever notice how some peoples conversations are centered on what’s wrong with their life? Then there are those in similar situations whose focus is positive and upbeat. The difference in not in the situation, it’s in the interpretation, attitude, midset, and perception.
A positive life is the result of a positive attitude, not ideal circumstances. We decide the meaning of our experiences.
Am I a positive guy? Well, maybe just a little (ha ha). Thank you my friend.
Jonathan, one of the best books I read on this topic was a researcher and pioneer in the field of positive psychology: Dr. Martin Seligman. Positive is not wishful thinking. Rather, it’s optimistic versus pessimistic thinking. You are absolutely right that it’s a learned skill. But the key is, once we are aware of our tendencies, we can catch our thoughts and change our mindsets and attitudes. One of the best antidotes to pessimism is gratitude on a daily basis: write down 10 things to be grateful. Or write down your fears, then write down gratitude’s as answered prayers next to each one.
Steve-Prospering With Aspergers´s last amazing blog post ..Becoming Emotionally Intelligent
Hi Steve, I totally agree with absolutely everything you said. I’m not going to dilute it by saying anything more. A+ comment my friend.
Jonathan, is there even a question about it?
!
I have no doubt at all that positivity is more than just an attitude and a good thing for our health. It is the path to success. I known because I have been on both sides of the fence and this side is much more fulfilling and rewarding!!! Great reminder but truly hard to ever argue with
Hi Farnoosh, to people like us, there is no question about it. We know the benefits of a positive outlook and don’t need science to convince us.
I was hoping to reach the hearts of those whose awareness hasn’t yet lead them to the same conclusion. If even one person decides to embrace positive thinking after reading this, then I will have contributed to the quality of that persons life. And that feels really great.
Indeed, Jonathan and I’ll try to do the same to spread positivism all around!
You do a good job farnoosh. Your smile alone can light up a room. I find you to be extremely positive.
Hi Jonathan,
I think some people confuse “positive thinking” to being optimistic. As in, sometimes I get clients who try to think “positive thoughts” and have “positive outlooks in life” all the time, to the point where in situations where it’s “OK” and would be considered encouraged to let out some steam, that they come off as “fake” when being “positive”.
All the best,
Parker
Parker Lee | howtomingle.com´s last amazing blog post ..9 Ways To Say I Like You
Hey Parker, your comment points to something that is often missed with regard to positive thinking. We need to adopt a genuinely positive attitude, not just pretend to feel that way.
In the beginning we might not feel totally sincere about it, and that’s okay. But with practice our perception should shift so that our positive words and actions are a reflection of how we really feel.
for me, being positive is an attitude that does not allow pessimism (obviously)
it’s a right attitude actually
Hi Eikcaj, it may be next to impossible to never have a pessimistic or sarcastic thought. What really matters is our dominate tendency. Is our overall attitude optimistic or pessimistic? How do we come across to other people? And when we find ourselves starting to lean toward pessimism, do we have the awareness to turn it around quickly. Remember, personal development is not a goal, it’s an ongoing process. It’s a path!
I really do think that positive thinking can greatly alter your outlook on life. I agree with you about the challenge which is making sure you remain in control of your actions. There are some people, including myself who have had negative self talk be apart of their lives for so long that we do so uncosciously. It is what comes natural. You will have to make sure that you take the time to not only change your thoughts but also your actions. But the benefits outweigh the challenges.
Great Post
Frank ´s last amazing blog post ..You Can’t Start At The End
Hi Frank, the self-talk aspect is so very important. It’s one of the fundamental ways that we program our nervous system. I think we all struggle with this to some degree. Who hasn’t got down on themselves for a mistake, poor judgment, or a bad decision? I think we all do that at times.
Awesome post Jonathan. Positive thinking is one of my favorite topics and you did such a great job of putting it into perspective. I like that you reminded people that we don’t become optimist’s overnight. It’s a process that involves changing the way we think, which is something that didn’t develop overnight. Keep up the good work my friend.
Nea | Self Improvement Saga´s last amazing blog post ..Why Living a Passionate Life is the Daddy of Self Improvement Ideas
Hi Nea, you have always impressed me as a very positive person. Changing ourselves on a core level usually requires that we retrain our minds to think in a new direction. That means that we need to unlearn some things while learning others. It would be nice if we could just flip a switch and make it happen, but life rarely works that way.
Hi Jonathan,
I totally agree! I love how you pointed out that when making a point to think positive, it doesn’t happen over night. But it’s worth making the choice to view the cup as half full. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jarrod and welcome to Advanced Life Skills. You are so right my friend. It is definitely worth making the positive choice. Thanks for stopping by and taking the comment to join the conversation.
Hi Jonathan, I’m a big believer in positive thinking, but it has to be genuine. Too many people want to take the easy way out and act negative but lie to themselves positively. This pseudo-positive thinking is what gives it a bad reputation. I think for it to work, you have to genuinely feel it.
Good work!
Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last amazing blog post ..10 Ways To Be More Persuasive
So right Stephen, Parker Lee commented on this also. We need to adopt a genuinely positive attitude, not just pretend to feel that way. If we are trying to shift from a predominately negative orientation, it may feel “put on” at first. That should be a temporary feeling that fades as we change our internal perspective.
My girlfriend believes very much in the concept of positive thinking. Whenever she feels a cold coming on, she tells herself that she’s not going to get sick, and she very rarely does! I have a slight cold right now, and she keeps telling me to say I’m not sick.
Brian Earley´s last amazing blog post ..Robin Hood Review
Hey Brian, it’s been my experience that women are usually right (I’ve been with my wife for 27 years). So, we can be stubborn, or we can be smart.
HI Jonathan,
I have kind of converted her from an eternal pessimist to a raging optimistic pessimist 
Now youre just teasing me with that question at the end right?? Come on I have a whole blog about how positive thinking can heal the mind, body, heart & Soul. Need I say more
But i am an eternal optimist. I often get asked..dont you ever feel down..or sad..and I just respond with, “yes ofcourse! But i snap out of it quicker…cause i just BELIEVE that everything WILL be alright.”
My mum is my biggest challenge
Lovely topic, lovely writing…and perfect examples at the end…Love it!
Much love,
Z~
Hi Zeenat, I know it can seem unbelievable that someone would need to be convinced of the “tangible” benefits of positive thinking. What seems so obvious to some can still be doubted by intelligent people who just happen to see life through a different window. This can be due to any number of influences. I guess my hope is that a little science will provide the needed catalyst.
Thinking positive will make your life easier. We all experience problems and challenges in life but with the help of our positive mind thinking it will surely be easy for us in solving each problems.
Katherine Caren – How to Think Positive´s last amazing blog post ..Being Negative and the Effect It Has on Your Life
Hi Katherine , and welcome to Advanced Life Skills. There are so many benefits to positive thinking and we probably don’t know the half of it. It’s been the my primary focus for so long that I really don’t know any other way.
Hi Jonathan,
Positive thinking has powerful affects on people. Just like you mentioned, people who think positively are happier and healthier. They also are the ones who achieve their goals. Everything begins with our thoughts…
Thanks for sharing Jonathan
Dia´s last amazing blog post ..How to attract people
Hey Dia, indeed, everything does begin with our thoughts. We decide the meaning of everything in our lives. So, why not decide to make it all positive? Thanks for joining the conversation.
Great article and some great responses as well. I would just like to add that there are several positive emotions you can focus on to help maintain a positive attitude. They include joy, serenity, hope, interest, pride, amusement, inspiration, awe, and love. So when you are finding it difficult to stay positive find one of these emotions to focus on.
I also wanted to point out that being “fake positive” is even worse for you than negativity itself. So don’t plaster a fake smile on your face (research shows this causes more stress than actual negativity on the body) simply find something you can be positive about and shift your attention to that.
Hi Bonnidette, welcome to Advanced Life Skills. That’s a nice list of positive emotions, I would add gratitude. Of all the emotions that get me moving in the right direction, gratitude is my top pick.
That was an interesting bit of info about being fake positive. Thanks for sharing it.
How could I have left out gratitude. Yes gratitude and love are the two strongest emotions. Thank you for pointing that out.
I find when I am in a slump or feel stuck finding those things I can be grateful for or counting those I love can bring me out of it and back to a more positive mindset all around.
I like to do a little gratitude review first thing every morning and last thing at night. Helps me keep thing in perspective. Thanks Bonnidette.
I can’t attest to it being a learned skill, because I’ve always been optimistic and positive. In fact, I’ve been called “Pollyanna,” and not in a nice way! You can guess it was said by someone who wasn’t feeling their bliss.
But, whether learned or inherent, maintaining a positive outlook is so easy, SO easy… and this tip might help those who find it difficult to summon gratitude when they’re feeling impatient or stressed, tired, whatever. Simply hold yourself ready to be wowed! Everywhere you turn, there’s something to catch your attention, bring you up short, and make you catch your breath with wonder…. Or laughter… Or excitement… Remember how it was as a child? You could flip instantly from pouting to laughing at someone’s antics. Even we grudge-holding adults can do this, if willing. Nature’s an incredible resource for wonder! And so is mankind; the next time you pass a skyscraper, pause to really think about how it all came together. And here’s the best one: Develop the ability to laugh at yourself. This one… Ah, this one’s the best. 
Julie´s last amazing blog post ..Nature Speaks
Hi Julie, I also think gratitude is one of the main keys to a positive attitude. Something remarkable happens to our perception of life when we are filled with appreciation. The more we focus on our blessings, the more they seem to multiply.
Looks like you live in the country. That in itself is such a blessing. I live on 15 acres in the mountains of southern Oregon and feel so grateful every single day that I get to live here.
Thanks so much for joining the conversation Julie. I really appreciate your input.
Jonathon…. I promise. I promise promise I was not raising my voice through that whole comment!!! LOL No, I just forgot the end-italics. Technology and I have a strange relationship.
Julie´s last amazing blog post ..Nature Speaks
Julie, the thought never crossed my mind. I am just happy to see you here and be encouraged by your positive energy. I won’t change the italics because then these last two comments wouldn’t make a lick of sense. Cheers!
I could not agree more, Johnathan! I speak on this topic regularly (and I practice what I preach).
Check out my blog entry at http://www.derilatimer.com/wordpress/positive-psychology-in-philadelphia-pennsylvania-35
Regards, Deri
Hi Deri, I love how people really come together when the conversation is all about “positive.” It’s like all it takes is a little reminder to get everyone in sync.
Excellent layout for the law of attraction thinking positive thoughts. Have you ever noticed that it is the negative thinkers that fear changing, therefore do not want to believe that positive thoughts create positive actions?
Hi Wendy, I feel bad for those who choose to operate on a negative charge. It’s so closed and pessimistic. That’s a terrible way to view life.
Great post Jon. It’s true. Yes, positive thinking can have major influences on our lives. People who do not understand it would benefit by reading your post, because in its simplicity it explains a great deal.
We tend too often, I think, to think that only reality influences our perception in life. So too can our perception greatly influence reality.
Thanks again,
Dave
DaveUrsillo´s last amazing blog post ..The Clutter of Noise and Power of Silence
Hi Dave, I think our perception is 90% of our reality. We get to decide the value (positive or negative) of any event or situation we find ourselves in. I like to ask: “What else could this mean?” the possibilities are almost endless, and we get to choose the ones we like.
HI Jonathan,
I think that both positive and negative thinking is useless.
They both are illusions.
Reality is what is happening in the present moment, right?
A person who has a positive or negative thinking does not actually looking at the present moment, that person is not looking at reality.. .
This is the moment – now, so at this moment there is no good and bad things, only things. Everything else is unnecessary labelling of our mind.
Marko — Calm Growth´s last amazing blog post ..The Current State of Personal Development Scene – Part 2
Hey Marko. I totally understand what you are saying. The problem is this: none of us has an objective view of reality. Because we run everything through the filters of our beliefs, our perception of reality is highly individualized.
Of course, we all think that our version is the most accurate, and it is, but only for us. Acknowledging that we see the world through the filters of our beliefs means that we can adjust our reality by adjusting those beliefs.
Believing that we are capable of viewing the world around us totally objectively would be an illusion. On the other hand, not attaching good or bad labels to anything does keep our experiences more real, as emotions tend to distort things. I think this is what you are probably referring to.
If that’s the case, then I agree with you although I don’t think most people will ever achieve that perspective. Certainly, resisting the urge to label our experiences allows us a greater degree of awareness and engagement. Looks like my reply went full circle, doesn’t it? Thanks Marko for the mental stimulation.
Hello. First, thanks for the reply.
I think we’re talking about the same thing, just using different words.
You see, I don’t think that anyone is able to live fully and continuously in the present moment. Maybe there is, but it’s only a minority of such people.(Buddha
)
However, the frequent moments spent at the present moment are not only possible but also desirable.
Let me explain. Life consists of many of the current moment, yes? One, after another, after another, after another. In some moments we are fully aware of the present moment, in some not.
This means that we are capable of viewing the world around us totally objectively, but only in some moments, not all. At those moments, our beliefs and convictions and the labels does not exist.
Yes, I agree with you that many of us run everything through the filters of our beliefs, though, there are moments, only moments of life in the present, where there are no filters of our beliefs.
I say that these moments are much more important than the negative and positive thinking.
As regards this you said in the last part of comment, for the label, that I totally agree.
Thank you for taking the time for this (slightly philosophical) discussion…
Marko — Calm Growth´s last amazing blog post ..The Current State of Personal Development Scene – Part 2
Nice explanation Marko, I am totally with you. Thank you also for taking the time. Stimulating!
Hi Jonathan,
I can see the point that many are making when it comes to positive thinking. I have begun to recognize that everything (all theories) has a fine line involved. I am an avid believer in thinking positive – this is the only way to live a happy and fulfilled life. However, I have had moments when I felt I was simply taking it too far and actually crossing over to another form of denial. Do you think it is possible to go into denial if it is taken too far? I mean does the old expression apply here? Too much of any good thing can be bad for us.
Sandra Hendricks´s last amazing blog post ..What Motivates You to Take Action
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