Lethe
Obsession.
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2007
- Messages
- 801
- MBTI Type
- iNtJ
- Enneagram
- 152
- Instinctual Variant
- so/sx
When positive action keeps us from recognizing the facts, it is counterproductive. When it motivates us to take action and rally the efforts of others, it is useful.
It's not about 'positive' it's about 'active' and 'efficient' thinking.
What works works.
Anything else just shows the person's intellectual limitations and/or strong zones of proficiency (so efficiency in that case and perhaps high relative cost and low incentives to change the strategy/tactics/frame)
But to think that one would ever create a concrete reaction through positive thinking alone is ridiculous. Basically you can create momentum, enthusiasm, but it is then up to you to do something with it.
Agreed. Any form of "thinking" provides half of the equation. The other half requires the individual to actually do it.
Reflection, in itself, can be effective in shaping the impact of our decisions, and building the capacity to make them. However, we also might risk doing nothing by over-thinking. Wishing for something to happen, and making it happen are two separate things. Both are necessary, but they shouldn't be mistaken for the other.
Positive thinking, when you are excited people get excited with you. So this creates less resistance.
Excellent point, ThatGirl. I often use positive thinking on the principle of efficiency, because the less resistance I have towards doing a certain task, the more energy I'll have to spare for other things. For instance, I'm willing to endure high amounts of pain if I can find a "positive" reason for it. A good attitude may act as a form of anesthesia, and consequently, a personal buffer for stress. "Negative" thinking can also deliver the same service, but at the cost of our health and lifespan the longer we remain in a state of stress. In short bursts, nothing moves people faster than negative thinking -- [i.e - "fight" or "flight".]
Worth watching.
As for the video, I agree with the journalist's points. Adopting a positive mindset prematurely is another way of ignoring the real problems. No matter how colorful and pretty you make them, the negativity is still there.
"Stuff happens," including sometimes very, very bad stuff" is a nice way of phrasing it.