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'Think Positively'

Asian Scammer

I'm afraid it's not that simple. Isn't this the most unhelpful patronising piece of advice? It's sort of like saying "ignore your own instincts". I recently heard some idiot on the radio harping on about how there's been some new research that recommends positive thinking, and how we should all think positively! Oh stop.

And it's not that I disagree with the benefits of positive thinking. But that's because it's easy to think positively when good things are happening. Other then that positive thinking is something that you can only force so far. I mean lets take somebody who ended up killing themselves; that person probably forced themselves as hard as they could to think positively every day for many years before they finally gave in.

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[Deleted User]

Its all down to the people you choose to associate with.

Personally, its a breath of fresh air when you are in the company of people who are full of new ideas and plans, and who can only see opportunities and not problems.

I read somewhere lately about the 5 levels of society:

level 1 : life sucks. Usually the attitude found in places of conflict and poverty, prison etc.

level 2: this sucks. People who are presently not in the ideal place in their life. Unhappy marriage, dole queue, picket line, menial job. But there is hope for a positive change.

level 3: life is ok. White collar workers, they have attained security, have time off from work to enjoy life, decent standard of living, no money worries.

level 4: life is good. eg. People who work for Google, decent salary, flexible work environment, space for creativity, opportunity to contribute new creative ideas.

level 5: This level is where a small percentage of the world's population exist; presidents, celebrities, religious leaders.

Pyr0

What I think of when someone says "think positive"

this-is-fine.0.jpg

Earthhorse

Most people have a disposition or a temperament by the time they're a bit into adulthood and that is probably predictable a good bit before that too.

Whilst I do think self reflection and small changes in thinking habits can make a big difference in your life I don't think you can fundamentally change your disposition. "Thinking positive" is ultimately a meaningless mantra unless it's backed up with practical steps and exercises you can repeat that are proven to form better habits. Forcing yourself to "be happy" or "think positive" just makes you feel like an impostor, leading to only more misery.

jimgoose

topper75

Tammy! wrote: »

It depends on the problem op and the context and who you're talking to whether you know them well or not. If it's trivial there's no harm in someone saying to try to look on the bright side. If it's more serious, then it might come across as condescending but they could just not know what else to say.

You'd love Mike Brady op!

He sounds like a white Obama.

Tammy!

It depends on the problem op and the context and who you're talking to whether you know them well or not. If it's trivial there's no harm in someone saying to try to look on the bright side. If it's more serious, then it might come across as condescending but they could just not know what else to say.

You'd love Mike Brady op!

nthclare

I wouldn't be instilling the new age woo and stay positive vibes to anyone.

That's only an easy way out of responsibility and personal growth.

There's no harm in being a bit negative now and again or having fears, it's a survival mechanism.
Fear and negativity can be an asset rather than a liability especially when used with common sense and rationale.

I see an emergence of sunshine lollipops and rainbow's culture, but it's another way to control people.

Turn them into door mats, living and let live.
When you're all positive and submissive it'll be easier to piss on your back and tell you it's raining.

I nearly got caught up in that bull**** before and it's cumboya and pass the basket at the end of the evening.

Life coaches are another shower of rankers, telling people how to live their lives,and their own trails of destruction quite evident if you can read between the lines.

Spiritual leaders, another shower of snake oil salesmen...

Responsibly and honesty isn't rocket science to be honest

strangel00p

This whole positive thinking is just a cliche with no real grounding in reality.

Dreaming that everything is going to go well when the bank is at your door demanding the keys to your house is naive. Positive thinking, negative thinking, its bull****. There is no secret or five step plan to make your life perfect by thinking happy thoughts.

I'd rather prepare for the worst and then be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't happen.

I would consider myself to be reasonably comfortable in life - mainly because I have always prepared for the worst case scenario. In my experience there are very few happy coincidences, so prepare accordingly.

Aongus Von Bismarck

Mindfulness or some other meditation practice is an extremely effective way of instilling a sense of positivity and calm in your life.

Ipso

EllieB wrote: »

Asian Scammer wrote: »

I'm afraid it's not that simple. Isn't this the most unhelpful patronising piece of advice? It's sort of like saying "ignore your own instincts". I recently heard some idiot on the radio harping on about how there's been some new research that recommends positive thinking, and how we should all think positively! Oh stop.

And it's not that I disagree with the benefits of positive thinking. But that's because it's easy to think positively when good things are happening. Other then that positive thinking is something that you can only force so far. I mean lets take somebody who ended up killing themselves; that person probably forced themselves as hard as they could to think positively every day for many years before they finally gave in.

Whilst I get where you’re coming from, to a point, I think the sentiment of positive thinking is an important one. I know it’s a bit of a cliche but negativity breeds negativity and it’s so easy to get sucked down into the doldrums if you let yourself.

Obviously, for a clinically depressed person, being told to “think positive” is patronising and probably only serves to make that person feel worse because they can’t think positive but overall, I think it’s something most of us need to do in order not to let life with all it’s problems, drag us down. Just my opinion!

The problem these days is that positive thinking is too linked to the laws of attraction/ The secret shiite. It can get to the point where pointing oit reality is negative.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
(Winston Churchill)

Tammy!

TheValeyard wrote: »

I know one guy who's thoughts were so positive, he got aids.

Are you sure? Are you hiv positive about that?

TheValeyard

I know one guy who's thoughts were so positive, he got aids.

That's how it works right?

Capt'n Midnight

Asian Scammer wrote: »

I'm afraid it's not that simple.

Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?

ldy4mxonucwsq6

Asian Scammer wrote: »

I'm afraid it's not that simple. Isn't this the most unhelpful patronising piece of advice? It's sort of like saying "ignore your own instincts". I recently heard some idiot on the radio harping on about how there's been some new research that recommends positive thinking, and how we should all think positively! Oh stop.

And it's not that I disagree with the benefits of positive thinking. But that's because it's easy to think positively when good things are happening. Other then that positive thinking is something that you can only force so far. I mean lets take somebody who ended up killing themselves; that person probably forced themselves as hard as they could to think positively every day for many years before they finally gave in.

It's a type of CBT, changing your mindset. Being grateful for small things. Gradually over time your mindset shifts and this becomes your normal way of thinking.

Agree it might not be very useful for someone who is currently in deep depression or anxiety, they might need additional support or medication until they get to the point where they are able to use CBT.

Start small, it does help change a negative mindset over time.

riddles

I used to be indecisive but now I’m not so sure!

Mad_maxx

EllieB wrote: »

Asian Scammer wrote: »

I'm afraid it's not that simple. Isn't this the most unhelpful patronising piece of advice? It's sort of like saying "ignore your own instincts". I recently heard some idiot on the radio harping on about how there's been some new research that recommends positive thinking, and how we should all think positively! Oh stop.

And it's not that I disagree with the benefits of positive thinking. But that's because it's easy to think positively when good things are happening. Other then that positive thinking is something that you can only force so far. I mean lets take somebody who ended up killing themselves; that person probably forced themselves as hard as they could to think positively every day for many years before they finally gave in.

Whilst I get where you’re coming from, to a point, I think the sentiment of positive thinking is an important one. I know it’s a bit of a cliche but negativity breeds negativity and it’s so easy to get sucked down into the doldrums if you let yourself.

Obviously, for a clinically depressed person, being told to “think positive” is patronising and probably only serves to make that person feel worse because they can’t think positive but overall, I think it’s something most of us need to do in order not to let life with all it’s problems, drag us down. Just my opinion!

Negative experiences breed negativity, you have to have positive experiences for the positive mentality to arrive.

Resilience and resolve is a different kettle of fish and an admirable trait

EllieB

Asian Scammer wrote: »

I'm afraid it's not that simple. Isn't this the most unhelpful patronising piece of advice? It's sort of like saying "ignore your own instincts". I recently heard some idiot on the radio harping on about how there's been some new research that recommends positive thinking, and how we should all think positively! Oh stop.

And it's not that I disagree with the benefits of positive thinking. But that's because it's easy to think positively when good things are happening. Other then that positive thinking is something that you can only force so far. I mean lets take somebody who ended up killing themselves; that person probably forced themselves as hard as they could to think positively every day for many years before they finally gave in.

Whilst I get where you’re coming from, to a point, I think the sentiment of positive thinking is an important one. I know it’s a bit of a cliche but negativity breeds negativity and it’s so easy to get sucked down into the doldrums if you let yourself.

Obviously, for a clinically depressed person, being told to “think positive” is patronising and probably only serves to make that person feel worse because they can’t think positive but overall, I think it’s something most of us need to do in order not to let life with all it’s problems, drag us down. Just my opinion!

BDI

Asian Scammer wrote: »

I'm sorry?

Apology accepted, now keep finding the good things in life.

Asian Scammer

BDI wrote: »

At least you have a radio. That’s something.

I'm sorry?

riemann

Asian Scammer wrote: »

I'm afraid it's not that simple.

Not with that attitude.

BDI

At least you have a radio. That’s something.