Author of the material:
Igor Lyadsky
Geneticist, writer, business coach, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
A person’s life is full of abstract concepts that affect his mood, well-being, and inspiration. One of these concepts is positivity. It is difficult to measure or calculate, but the success of an individual, the degree of enthusiasm, and the level of vital energy depend on this quality. But does positivity always benefit a person? Are there situations when it is better to do without it? Is it worth strengthening this quality in yourself? If yes, by what methods? Are there many effective techniques that attract positivity? We declare the fight against negativity open.
What is positivity?
Positivity is positive emotions that are associated with good spirits, optimism, and cheerfulness. In addition, there are other definitions that are related not to psychology, but to technology. Thus, in photography, the term positive refers to the final version of the photograph. The musical instrument of the same name is also known, which became widespread in medieval Europe.
Positivity, like its eternal antagonist – negative, reflects the duality of the world . There is good, but there is also evil. Good things happen, but sometimes bad things happen. The same applies to a person’s relationship to himself and the world around him. It can be positive or negative. It is impossible to assert that positive thoughts are the only true ones, again, because of the duality of the world. The “golden mean” is important, since an overly optimistic attitude can lead a person into the world of illusions, not allowing him to adequately assess events. Negativity helps you to be more constructive, to evaluate the situation more carefully, calculating all possible options.
Positive thoughts are important, but they must be balanced with a certain amount of skepticism, otherwise the person risks treating the situation superficially, thereby missing important details. This belief corresponds to the synton approach, which introduces a kind of triad: positive, constructive, responsibility. The absence of at least one of these components puts any undertaking at risk of failure. Of course, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of positivity, but you should not rely solely on it. Let's look at its strengths and weaknesses.
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Meaning of the word
It must be said that in each category of sciences the word “positive” has almost the same meaning.
- Philosophy. Positive – affirmative, positive. That is, the one that is available is the actual one.
- Policy. Also denotes something positive that was based on previously acquired experience.
- Psychology, psychoanalysis. Positive is good. The antonym of the word is “negative”, that is, bad. They are often used inseparably from the terms “love” and “hate” in this block of sciences.
There are many more different designations. Generally speaking, for the term “positive” the meaning of the word comes down to positivity, something that comes with a “+” sign.
The benefits of positivity.
Firstly , according to the principle of feedback, a person receives a response from the Universe to which he subconsciously tunes himself. Our thoughts determine words, actions, surroundings, and events. If you follow this logical chain, then positive thoughts attract more success and reasons for joy into a person’s life. This is a law of psychology that works equally in both directions. That is, similarly, a person attracts failures or disappointments. To prevent this from happening, you need to have a certain degree of optimism.
Secondly , a positive mood produces a noticeable therapeutic effect. This is due to the production of “happiness hormones”, which have a beneficial effect on all human systems and organs. Serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and other substances normalize blood pressure, improve metabolic processes, give additional strength and energy, and stimulate activity.
Thirdly , positivity can be considered as a guiding “star”, telling a person that he is on the right path. This statement is comparable to the concepts of vocation and destiny. When someone chooses the wrong road, disappointment or failure awaits them. This all causes negative emotions. On the other hand, by choosing the right path, a person achieves greater success. He feels "at the right time, in the right place." The whole world reinforces these feelings.
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Vivid examples of the effectiveness of positive thinking are given in the famous book of the American writer Napoleon Hill “Think and Grow Rich”. True, it is worth noting that even the author himself points out the need to supplement correct thoughts with specific measures for their implementation. It is foolish to count on a prize in the lottery without ever buying a ticket. Also, positivity, not backed up by effort, only leads a person into the world of illusions and self-deception. This is one of its disadvantages, which we will discuss later.
How is a positive person different from others?
Each person develops a certain model of behavior and attitude towards life, which he constantly adheres to. Often people easily take offense at others, harbor grievances, and hatch plans for revenge. A negatively-minded person does not share existing information with others and does not try to somehow change the world around him. Most people are afraid of change because they think that any change is associated with trouble.
The range of interests of shallow people, fixated on troubles, is narrow. They get information from the tabloid press or television, and have few hobbies. They do not strive for self-development and try with all their might to maintain their peace.
A person is often not ready to take responsibility for how his life turned out. He believes that if circumstances had been different, he would have been able to get more. And this is one of the main differences in the psychology of a positively-minded individual and that which is inherent in other people.
A cheerful person understands that happiness in his life depends on himself. He knows that on the way to it he will make many mistakes, and is ready to answer for them. Positive people respect the points of view of others and are careful about their feelings. They know how to sincerely rejoice at another person’s success and give compliments. Such people do not have the desire to lie or embellish something.
An energetic, cheerful person reads a lot and is interested in what is happening around him. He has many hobbies and a wide circle of friends. Cheerful people always learn because they like to develop and constantly learn something new. They are not afraid to take initiative, they are not afraid of criticism, because they are confident in themselves and are always ready to conduct a constructive dialogue.
Changes for optimists are an important aspect in life, since they see in them an opportunity to change their lives for the better, develop some new qualities or improve existing ones.
Disadvantages of positivity.
At first glance, it may seem that positivity has no drawbacks, but upon closer examination it becomes obvious that not everything is so simple.
Firstly , excessive positivity may indicate a person’s carelessness or arrogance. Lack of seriousness sometimes prevents you from looking at events soberly. Instead of taking the necessary measures, an overly optimistic person hopes for chance, missing the precious moment. As a result, for example, he loses a customer or even a job. There is a saying that a pessimist is a well-informed optimist. Of course, you shouldn’t dramatize either, but carelessness often leads to negative consequences.
Secondly , the positive thinking of one can be perceived as ridicule of others. Not all people tend to accept difficult situations with a smile on their face. An optimist in their company will look, at least, strange or frivolous. On the one hand, it is worth choosing your environment more carefully, forming it from like-minded people. On the other hand, optimists must be balanced by realists, otherwise solid “rose-colored glasses” will not make it possible to foresee difficulties and plan ways to overcome them. So, it is advisable for any optimist to learn to communicate with less positive people, sometimes showing a little more involvement and seriousness.
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Thirdly , constant positivity pushes towards the superficiality of relationships, especially if it begins to closely border on indifference. This is also bad. Such a person values his surroundings, friends, and partners less. Doesn’t try to keep a girl with whom temporary difficulties have begun, under the pretext “if not one, then the other,” etc. Of course, you can adhere to such a life principle, but there are no ideal people, so the “merry fellow” risks being left alone. It is not necessary to appear as an emotionless “robot”, without problems and difficulties. People love sincerity and sometimes those who are not afraid to show their concern inspire more trust in them than always positive interlocutors.
But the listed shortcomings absolutely do not negate the importance of positivity in a person’s life. It’s just that this quality must be constructive and meaningful, so as not to cloud the mind with unnecessary illusions, lulling vigilance. We’ll talk about methods for developing a positive attitude later.
Positive people don't wait for a good day - they create it for themselves.
Wait, hope and dream are not words that can be found in the dictionary of an optimist. They are not passive in their lives, they act on their own. Passivity leads to the fact that you are not sufficiently involved in the processes happening around you. Positive people try to control all components of their lives themselves. They work to bring about positive change. They do not have the habit of pushing away their feelings in difficult times - they simply do everything to correct the problem.
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Psychotherapy techniques
Founder: Nossrat Pezeshkian: positive psychotherapy. In 1968, he developed and introduced into psychology the idea of thinking positively. His method is based on three principles:
- principle of hope . It consists of faith in one’s capabilities and strengths;
- principle of balance . Based on the abilities and talents of the individual;
- self-help principle . Based on introspection and reflection. On the ability to identify one’s own complexes and obsessions.
Short-term positive psychotherapy.
Pezeshkin, when working with patients, identified two types of conflict:
- current . Associated with current problems (change of job, place of residence, deterioration of health, loss of relatives);
- basic _
This type is formed in childhood, during the process of education. Has a global impact on the individual. The ability to cope with difficulties, confront life's problems, endure stress and overcome conflicts depends on the strength of the basic conflict.
Follow your thoughts and desires!
Thoughts are material: “If you peer into the abyss for too long, it begins to peer into you.”
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This has been proven for a long time. If you are very afraid of something, sooner or later it will happen. If you constantly live with negative thoughts, it becomes a way of life. And then it’s very difficult to cut this knot and force yourself to think positively.
First of all, you should drive away all negative thoughts. Categorically and mercilessly. Does not work? Abstract yourself. Doesn't work again? Distract yourself with physical work - it always helps. Don't attract negativity to yourself with bad thoughts. Think only about the good and set yourself up only for the positive.
Never say “IF it works out...” about something long-awaited. Say “WHEN”, affirming in your mind the fact that this long-awaited will definitely come true.
Settings
Attitudes and beliefs can radically change your train of thought and completely transform your worldview. The following will help you think optimistically :
- I can handle everything. Expresses readiness to solve any hypothetical problem.
- I can be happy.
- I deserve the best. Helps fight low self-esteem.
- I believe that I will succeed. In contrast to the “I can handle everything” attitude, it is focused on motivation when managing projects. When a person goes towards a big ambitious goal.
- I can achieve what I want. Henry Ford said: “I want it, then it will happen.” The attitude is aimed at developing determination.
- Nothing happens in vain. Whatever action is performed, benefits will come from it. It may take time, but the effort spent will be rewarded.
- I make my own decisions and am responsible for their consequences. The feeling of freedom and independence is one of the most important things with positive thinking. The ability to follow one’s own interests and make choices based on true inner desires makes a person happy and gives self-confidence.
The main thing is to repeat these settings to yourself as often as possible. Especially during difficult stressful periods.
