Comments on: The Powerful Problem with Positive Thinking http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:35:20 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: aaron http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1600 aaron Mon, 31 Dec 2007 20:23:34 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1600 Ken, This part of your quote is some powerful stuff: <blockquote>Think on things that make you feel good and you will act accordingly.</blockquote> It's pretty hard to feel good and then do something that doesn't resonate with that good feeling. So, as you indicated, feeling good is the key. :) Ken,

This part of your quote is some powerful stuff:

Think on things that make you feel good and you will act accordingly.

It’s pretty hard to feel good and then do something that doesn’t resonate with that good feeling. So, as you indicated, feeling good is the key. :)

]]> By: ken mccormick http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1599 ken mccormick Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:38:45 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1599 Every thought can be captured, judged and changed. The past is gone, it no longer exists, tomorrow is not here yet so does not exist either. Make today worth something meaningful to yourself and others and be happy that you did. Think on things that make you feel good and you will act accordingly. Every thought can be captured, judged and changed. The past is gone, it no longer exists, tomorrow is not here yet so does not exist either. Make today worth something meaningful to yourself and others and be happy that you did. Think on things that make you feel good and you will act accordingly.

]]> By: 7 Ways to Become a Positive Person | Today is that Day http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1598 7 Ways to Become a Positive Person | Today is that Day Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:51:44 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1598 [...] Recently someone found the Today is that Day website (specifically this post) by searching MSN for the phrase "what will make me positive". [...] [...] Recently someone found the Today is that Day website (specifically this post) by searching MSN for the phrase "what will make me positive". [...]

]]> By: aaron http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1597 aaron Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:44:37 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1597 Patricia, You are exactly right - it alls boils down to personal responsibility. Whether you want to look at something as "normal" as sticking to a to-do list each day, keeping a positive attitude, or if you want to leap all the way up to the 100% accountability beliefs that power Ho'oponopono, it still comes down to whether or not we are responsible for our lives. Thanks for your comment! Patricia,

You are exactly right – it alls boils down to personal responsibility.

Whether you want to look at something as “normal” as sticking to a to-do list each day, keeping a positive attitude, or if you want to leap all the way up to the 100% accountability beliefs that power Ho’oponopono, it still comes down to whether or not we are responsible for our lives.

Thanks for your comment!

]]> By: Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1596 Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:39:42 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1596 Great article. The Law of Attraction doesn't mean a thing if you don't follow it with action. Neither does a positive attitude change your world. You are what changes your world. Having a positive attitude helps you do that. The Law of Attraction doesn't take away the fact that we are responsible for what we want changed. Great article. The Law of Attraction doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t follow it with action. Neither does a positive attitude change your world. You are what changes your world. Having a positive attitude helps you do that. The Law of Attraction doesn’t take away the fact that we are responsible for what we want changed.

]]> By: Carnival of Positive Thinking http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1595 Carnival of Positive Thinking Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:00:45 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1595 [...] Aaron M. Potts presents The Powerful Problem with Positive Thinking posted at Today is that Day. [...] [...] Aaron M. Potts presents The Powerful Problem with Positive Thinking posted at Today is that Day. [...]

]]> By: Scott Free Thinking » Sweet & Smart Links for July 28th, 2007 http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1594 Scott Free Thinking » Sweet & Smart Links for July 28th, 2007 Sat, 28 Jul 2007 18:41:30 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1594 [...] The Powerful Problem With Positive Thinking is that it is an overused notion that cannot solve all problems. Attitude is important, but attitude is not everything. Positive thinking does not take out the garbage, it does not pay the bills, it does not keep you alive, it simply keeps you, well…positive. Aaron Potts never fails to disappoint with his writings, and this article is no exception. Positive thinking is powerful, and it can be an incredible tool, but you must always keep your eyes open to all possibilities and examine every angle and perspective possible of any given issue. As Aaron so accurately describes it: Perhaps the biggest problem with positive thinking is that running around with a big ol’ smile on your face like life is nothing but a big vacation is simply not realistic, and having that attitude can blind you to circumstances that are not so positive. I’m not saying that you should go through life with an expectation that something bad is about to happen, but you should go through life aware of the details of any given set of circumstances. [...] [...] The Powerful Problem With Positive Thinking is that it is an overused notion that cannot solve all problems. Attitude is important, but attitude is not everything. Positive thinking does not take out the garbage, it does not pay the bills, it does not keep you alive, it simply keeps you, well…positive. Aaron Potts never fails to disappoint with his writings, and this article is no exception. Positive thinking is powerful, and it can be an incredible tool, but you must always keep your eyes open to all possibilities and examine every angle and perspective possible of any given issue. As Aaron so accurately describes it: Perhaps the biggest problem with positive thinking is that running around with a big ol’ smile on your face like life is nothing but a big vacation is simply not realistic, and having that attitude can blind you to circumstances that are not so positive. I’m not saying that you should go through life with an expectation that something bad is about to happen, but you should go through life aware of the details of any given set of circumstances. [...]

]]> By: aaron http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1593 aaron Wed, 25 Jul 2007 04:16:55 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1593 Sarah, That is an excellent point, and thank you very much for sharing it. A similar thought process is applied to affirmations. Some people believe that saying affirmations about things that don't exist yet simply cements into place the fact that they don't exist yet! That is a different conversation, but it was the first thing that came to mind when I read your comment. I wrote <a href="http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/self-improvement-hack-i-am-not-that-kind-of-a-person/" rel="nofollow">this post</a> recently that discusses a very similar concept to what you said; that it is all about the type of person that you are willing to be. Again, thanks for continuing the conversation, Sarah! Sarah,

That is an excellent point, and thank you very much for sharing it.

A similar thought process is applied to affirmations. Some people believe that saying affirmations about things that don’t exist yet simply cements into place the fact that they don’t exist yet!

That is a different conversation, but it was the first thing that came to mind when I read your comment.

I wrote this post recently that discusses a very similar concept to what you said; that it is all about the type of person that you are willing to be.

Again, thanks for continuing the conversation, Sarah!

]]> By: Sarah Liddle http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1592 Sarah Liddle Wed, 25 Jul 2007 03:46:01 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1592 Just wanted to say that you can not think positive if you do not have a self image that is consistant with how you would like to think. If you are a very moody/negative person and want to speak positively , you can only speak as positive as your self image allows. If you try to think positive and you dont have a self image that is consistant with how you want to think you are setting yourself up for frustration and failure. If you want to think positive, change your self image to one that is a positive person and you will soon start thinking and believing as a positive person would unconsciously without strain and pain. Much love, Sarah Just wanted to say that you can not think positive if you do not have a self image that is consistant with how you would like to think.
If you are a very moody/negative person and want to speak positively , you can only speak as positive as your self image allows. If you try to think positive and you dont have a self image that is consistant with how you want to think you are setting yourself up for frustration and failure.
If you want to think positive, change your self image to one that is a positive person and you will soon start thinking and believing as a positive person would unconsciously without strain and pain.

Much love,
Sarah

]]> By: Links Make the World Go ‘Round http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1591 Links Make the World Go ‘Round Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:44:04 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1591 [...] The Powerful Problem with Positive Thinking — A fair and balanced view on the problems of thinking without doing by Aaron at Today Is that Day. [...] [...] The Powerful Problem with Positive Thinking — A fair and balanced view on the problems of thinking without doing by Aaron at Today Is that Day. [...]

]]> By: Personal Development Reads of the Week - from Creating a Better Life http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1590 Personal Development Reads of the Week - from Creating a Better Life Sat, 21 Jul 2007 13:01:36 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1590 [...] Aaron Potts of Today is that Day goes over some of the reasons you may not want to think positively, in The Powerful Problem with Positive Thinking. I’m positive that, while it’s always good to have as much useful info as possible, I’ll stick with developing my positive mental attitude. [...] [...] Aaron Potts of Today is that Day goes over some of the reasons you may not want to think positively, in The Powerful Problem with Positive Thinking. I’m positive that, while it’s always good to have as much useful info as possible, I’ll stick with developing my positive mental attitude. [...]

]]> By: aaron http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1589 aaron Sat, 21 Jul 2007 01:20:06 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1589 Kirsten, Thanks for letting me know about the project! I am a big time positive thinker, so I thought a piece about the other side of the coin coming from me would be the epitome of objective journalism. ;) Thanks for continuing to lead the way when it comes to positive and proper thinking for a great life, Kirsten! :) Kirsten,

Thanks for letting me know about the project! I am a big time positive thinker, so I thought a piece about the other side of the coin coming from me would be the epitome of objective journalism. ;)

Thanks for continuing to lead the way when it comes to positive and proper thinking for a great life, Kirsten! :)

]]> By: Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1588 Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. Fri, 20 Jul 2007 17:13:18 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1588 Hi Aaron, Thanks for contributing to this writing project/ebook. I appreciate your input. At the risk of repeating you and some of the other commentors... of course nothing happens if we don't take action, but our actions follow our thoughts. If someone is stuck in negative thinking they might decide not to get a new computer because "it will probably get ruined too, that is what always happens to me." Pessimists tend to see setbacks as permanent and they generalize setbacks to their whole life. A positive thinker (optimist) would replace the laptop and think something like this: "I will make sure to close the bag from now on. This was a one time goof up." Optimists see setbacks as temporary and specific to the immediate problem. Thanks again Aaron! Hi Aaron,
Thanks for contributing to this writing project/ebook. I appreciate your input. At the risk of repeating you and some of the other commentors… of course nothing happens if we don’t take action, but our actions follow our thoughts.

If someone is stuck in negative thinking they might decide not to get a new computer because “it will probably get ruined too, that is what always happens to me.” Pessimists tend to see setbacks as permanent and they generalize setbacks to their whole life.

A positive thinker (optimist) would replace the laptop and think something like this: “I will make sure to close the bag from now on. This was a one time goof up.” Optimists see setbacks as temporary and specific to the immediate problem.

Thanks again Aaron!

]]> By: aaron http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1587 aaron Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:44:57 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1587 Grayson, Yes, that is certainly true. And in fact, it works both ways. Just as some people can be so blindly optimistic that they are bordering on unrealistic expectations, so, too, can people be blindly negative. The longer that people think in a negative manner, the harder it is for them to see a positive opportunity, even if it is staring them right in the face. Bringing <b>both</b> of those sets of people back from the edge is a good idea! :) Grayson,

Yes, that is certainly true. And in fact, it works both ways. Just as some people can be so blindly optimistic that they are bordering on unrealistic expectations, so, too, can people be blindly negative.

The longer that people think in a negative manner, the harder it is for them to see a positive opportunity, even if it is staring them right in the face.

Bringing both of those sets of people back from the edge is a good idea! :)

]]> By: Grayson De Ritis http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1586 Grayson De Ritis Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:20:14 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1586 Indeed, there is a healthy balance to be struck when thinking positive. Some people blind themselves far enough to where they are no longer in touch with reality. Indeed, there is a healthy balance to be struck when thinking positive. Some people blind themselves far enough to where they are no longer in touch with reality.

]]> By: aaron http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1585 aaron Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:54:44 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1585 Andy, Beautifully put! A positive attitude does indeed put you in the right frame of mind, and, according to the Law of Attraction, it will also serve to attract better situations to you. Then, as you said, the groundwork has already been set to take whatever action is then necessary. Awesome stuff, Andy - thanks for sharing! Andy,

Beautifully put! A positive attitude does indeed put you in the right frame of mind, and, according to the Law of Attraction, it will also serve to attract better situations to you.

Then, as you said, the groundwork has already been set to take whatever action is then necessary. Awesome stuff, Andy – thanks for sharing!

]]> By: aaron http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1584 aaron Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:50:09 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1584 Lyman, You've hit the nail right on the head; being positive is simply a better choice than being negative! No, having a positive attitude can't fix things such as broken laptops and traffic jams, but it can certainly make the time that you spend in a less-than perfect situation much more enjoyable than it otherwise would be! Lyman,

You’ve hit the nail right on the head; being positive is simply a better choice than being negative!

No, having a positive attitude can’t fix things such as broken laptops and traffic jams, but it can certainly make the time that you spend in a less-than perfect situation much more enjoyable than it otherwise would be!

]]> By: aaron http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1583 aaron Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:46:38 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1583 Patricia, What a great comment! You are so right about the "all-time negatives" - especially in the workplace. Yet, even given that part of your situation, you have managed to see negativity in a positive light - as a necessary contrast. Good for you, Patricia, and you keep up that wonderful attitude of yours. Sooner or later, you may even switch someone over from the other side! :) Patricia,

What a great comment! You are so right about the “all-time negatives” – especially in the workplace.

Yet, even given that part of your situation, you have managed to see negativity in a positive light – as a necessary contrast.

Good for you, Patricia, and you keep up that wonderful attitude of yours. Sooner or later, you may even switch someone over from the other side! :)

]]> By: Andy Strote http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1582 Andy Strote Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:55:27 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1582 One comment about both positive thinking and the law of attraction. As you mentioned, neither overcome the fact that you have to actually do something. They are not a replacement for action. However, for me, the right attitude puts me in the proper frame of mind to take action. The "negative crowd" tends to beat themselves up, blame others, spend hours in wishful thinking not accepting what is, etc. All of which suck up time and energy, and are impediments to positive action. For me, positive thinking and law of attraction simply set the groundwork for focused action. Andy One comment about both positive thinking and the law of attraction. As you mentioned, neither overcome the fact that you have to actually do something. They are not a replacement for action. However, for me, the right attitude puts me in the proper frame of mind to take action. The “negative crowd” tends to beat themselves up, blame others, spend hours in wishful thinking not accepting what is, etc. All of which suck up time and energy, and are impediments to positive action.

For me, positive thinking and law of attraction simply set the groundwork for focused action.

Andy

]]> By: Lyman Reed http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1581 Lyman Reed Thu, 19 Jul 2007 03:48:50 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1581 No, it won't fix the laptop. And sitting around saying "The Laptop is Fixed! I'm so Happy!" while it's in pieces isn't positive thinking... it's delusion. :) My wife and I drove out to the beach today... what is normally a 20 minute ride took about an hour and a half because of the traffic. And no, thinking "Hey, ain't this grand!" sure didn't get the cars moving, but it was fun spending some extra time with the woman I love and singing along with to the radio with her. I can't say I'm naturally positive... yet. But I know I like it better than when I'm not! No, it won’t fix the laptop. And sitting around saying “The Laptop is Fixed! I’m so Happy!” while it’s in pieces isn’t positive thinking… it’s delusion. :)

My wife and I drove out to the beach today… what is normally a 20 minute ride took about an hour and a half because of the traffic. And no, thinking “Hey, ain’t this grand!” sure didn’t get the cars moving, but it was fun spending some extra time with the woman I love and singing along with to the radio with her.

I can’t say I’m naturally positive… yet. But I know I like it better than when I’m not!

]]> By: Patricia http://www.todayisthatday.com/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1580 Patricia Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:04:35 +0000 http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/the-powerful-problem-with-positive-thinking/#comment-1580 Dear Aaron, I think you wrote a good and 'necessary article'. If a person is ill, he'd better go to the doctor while he also visualizes himself healthy, etc. I also find that there's no convincing reason to defend "a negative-thinking life mode". Feeling better looks like an unbeatable reason, already. Having had 3 past hard days myself, I found that my positive attitude towards negative events has helped me to find possible solutions and avoid feeling myself destroyed, as it would have happened in the past, with another attitude from my part. I share time at my job with people who are all-time negatives. With them I have learned that they hate to hear my positive side of things and that insisting on taking them out of that negative field takes too much energy from me. Instead, I've switched to a nodding style. Sometimes I simply don't have any idea what they are talking about & I find myself thanking the Universe for being able to see the positive side of things and for feeling so happy. They are useful to show me contrast. To show what I shouldn't do. Positive thinking does not solve anything by itself but it helps you place you in a better position to find solutions and to learn from mistakes, as you said. Thank you for your article. Patricia Dear Aaron,

I think you wrote a good and ‘necessary article’. If a person is ill, he’d better go to the doctor while he also visualizes himself healthy, etc.

I also find that there’s no convincing reason to defend “a negative-thinking life mode”. Feeling better looks like an unbeatable reason, already.

Having had 3 past hard days myself, I found that my positive attitude towards negative events has helped me to find possible solutions and avoid feeling myself destroyed, as it would have happened in the past, with another attitude from my part.

I share time at my job with people who are all-time negatives. With them I have learned that they hate to hear my positive side of things and that insisting on taking them out of that negative field takes too much energy from me. Instead, I’ve switched to a nodding style. Sometimes I simply don’t have any idea what they are talking about & I find myself thanking the Universe for being able to see the positive side of things and for feeling so happy. They are useful to show me contrast. To show what I shouldn’t do.

Positive thinking does not solve anything by itself but it helps you place you in a better position to find solutions and to learn from mistakes, as you said.

Thank you for your article.

Patricia

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