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by Anna Johnson
You've probably heard self-improvement authors and speakers extol
the
virtues of "positive thinking".
The idea is that in order to succeed at something, we must first
think positive -- we must convince ourselves that we can do it. Even
better, we should visualize ourselves doing it.
Well, I'm no psychologist, and I reckon positive thinking (and
visualization) is helpful.
But I DON'T think positive thinking alone is any more effective
than negative thinking.
What really works?
Positive ACTION.
And frankly, you can think NEGATIVE all you want... but if you
still ACT... you'll be light-years ahead of anyone who does nothing
except think positive thoughts.
Want proof?
Well, let me ask you this: have you ever been disappointed? Have
you ever been pleasantly surprised?
Both situations are where what actually happened was totally
different to what you thought would happen.
When you were disappointed -- your expectations were dashed. When
you were pleasantly surprised, your expectations were exceeded.
Happens all the time. That's why I don't believe positive or
negative thinking are absolutely essential to success or failure.
Otherwise there would be no such concept as "surprise".
Positive action -- actually doing something no matter whether or
not you think it'll work -- is what really makes the difference.
I need only think back to the time I was somehow persuaded to run
in my first running race. I dreaded it. I thought I would come last.
My head was filled with NEGATIVE thoughts.
But I did it anyway. And you know what -- I was not only among
the first across the line, but I fell in LOVE with racing!
Now I don't want you to think negative. In fact, I want you to be
as positive as possible. I want you to visualize yourself
succeeding. Not because I think these are necessary preconditions
for success -- but because if you think positive you're MORE LIKELY
TO ACT.
Chronic negative thinking is likely to plant so many doubts and
fears in your head that you are far more likely to associate failure
with your goal than success... and, as a result, give up rather than
go ahead. It's also a pretty unhappy state to be in.
But regardless of how you think... JUST DO IT!
By doing it you're way more likely to convince yourself that you
CAN do it than merely imagining yourself doing it. And of course,
doing it is the ONLY way you'll actually achieve the success you
want.
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