The Power of Positive Thinking - A Realistic Theory?

People all over the world have adopted the theory of positive thinking. They claim that by thinking positive thoughts and keeping an optimistic attitude, you can attract positive experiences. On the other side, there are individuals that firmly believe this concept is completely unrealistic. So does positive thinking make sense or is it just some naive idea?

Arguments from Both Sides of the Debate

Individuals for the theory of positive thinking use statistical studies to back their ideas. Many of these studies seem to support the idea that our thoughts have an impact on the things around us.

Positive thinkers also use their personal experience as evidence that optimism works. Individuals everywhere are discussing the wonderful outcome positive thinking has had in their lives.

What does the other side have to say about all this?

There are just as many if not more people claiming that they have tried positive thinking, done everything they were supposed to do, and nothing changed. Besides, there are plenty of negative people that have fantastic lives; while untold numbers of positive people live in poverty? Isn't this proof enough that our thinking doesn't make a difference?

Clearing Some Things Up

Something needs to be clarified about positive thinking. It's actually more about positive feeling than thinking. When you feel good it just seems to spread to other people and things, the same is true for when you are feeling bad.

For example, if you've ever gone shopping and dealt with a cashier that was in a bad mood, you know how easy it is for their attitude to rub off on you and cause you to be in a bad mood. Yet, if the cashier was laughing, smiling, and having a great time, you would probably leave the store feeling better yourself.

Ok, so maybe thinking and feeling good can help you experience a better day, because you're in a good mood, but can it actually alter events, make people treat you better, attract more money, or a better job?

Common Sense

We know that our thinking does affect things, but we don't know how powerful of an influence thinking has on some of the bigger issues, like money, jobs, and world events. Studies will continue to be conducted and research will proceed. As time goes on we will get more clear about the effect our thinking has on a massive scale.

However, having a brighter outlook does seem to have some personal benefits. Our thoughts influence the way we feel and the way we act, and our attitudes and behaviors have a lot to do with the way other's respond to us.

Never the less, when it comes down to it, whether positive thinking makes sense or not, can only be determined by your belief. We rely, too often, on what other people say or what the statistics say, when really, we should be consulting ourselves.

All you really need to do to decide whether positive thinking makes sense is to ask yourself one question and answer it honestly:

"When I am in an optimistic state of mind, when I am feeling good, do things seem to go better or not?"

Be honest. If your life seems to go better in those moments, then admit it; if you truthfully don't see a difference, then admit that.