Why Positive Thinking Doesnt Work!

There was someone I used to work with who, well aware
of their tendency to look at the negative side of things,
used to constantly tell themselves to "think more
positively".

This was said with such a feeling of desperation that I just
knew that not only would they NOT think positively, they
would probably go even further into negative thinking. The
mere fact that they kept pushing themselves to "think
positively" was a sign that this would ultimately be
counterproductive.

So many of us have interpreted the desire to be positive
thinkers in a very narrow and ultimately ineffective way.
The push to be positive often results in ignoring our
true feelings. Instead of recognizing that we don't always
feel positive and learning how to convert and turn round our
feelings, it so often ends up with us denying them
altogether.

The Law of Attraction, as defined by Abraham Hicks states
that "you attract to yourself what you give your attention
and energy to, whether wanted or unwanted".

One reason why positive thinking doesn't work is that our
focus is in the wrong place. So we say "I don't want to be
ill" and believe that this thought will prevent us from
being ill. So where is our focus? On being ill!
Because the Universe doesn't recognize "not" or "don't".
How many times have you told yourself NOT to forget
something and then what happens? Oops you've forgotten it!

Another reason why positive thinking doesn't work is that we
often veil our negative feelings with a positive surface.
So we say "I want a loving relationship". Sounds good
right? Except that underneath there is the hidden message
that having a loving relationship wouldn't even be an issue
- unless you'd been in one or a series of not so loving
relationships.

So it's the hidden message and negative feeling around it,
that is still coming through. Ultimately, you're still
pushing against something and it's still
counterproductive. You're likely to attract more unloving
relationships, even though you THINK you've stated
otherwise.

How can you begin to reverse this? Rather than focusing on
your thoughts, focus on your feelings about a given
situation or what you would like the situation to be. Start
to visualise and sense what you truly desire. Focus on
ramping up good, positive, energetic feelings about what
you desire, rather than the thought.

Practically you can do this by building a "creation box" of
pictures, ideas, notes, to stimulate your imagination of how
you'd like things to be. Appreciating lifes abundance in
what you already have by keeping an appreciation journal,
feeling and acting like the prosperous person you actually
are and channelling your good feelings into what you desire.

In fact, instead of being a positive thinker, aim to become
a positive feeler - it's much more visceral and real. Live
your life as though you already have what you desire and
you'll make way for it to come to you.

Julie Plenty helps writers, artists and photographers
prosper in their business by helping them build a strong
personal foundation, because they ARE their business. For
more self growth and personal development articles, and to
sign up for her Life Design newsletter, visit:
http://www.self-help-personal-development.com

In The News:

---

Changing Stumbling Blocks To Stepping Stones?

"The difference between a stumbling block and a stepping stone... Read More

White Sun: How to Cultivate Ones Body

Drinking damages the soul; being lustful damages the vitality; greed... Read More

The Map Is Not the Territory

Just in an average day we can experience many things... Read More

How to Deal with Discouragement and Develop Exceptional People Skills

Ever feel like giving up? Do you ever feel so... Read More

Growth From Discontent: Lifes Way Of Giving You A Little Push

That strange, gut-wrenching feeling you have is not the sushi... Read More

When Things Go Wrong As They Sometimes Will... Dont Get Your Knickers In A Twist!

In frustration it's easy to jump to false conclusions that... Read More

Are You A Prisoner of Your Own Making?

There is a wonderful story about the famous escape artist,... Read More

Top Three Secrets To Becoming A Better Thinker

We all know there are ways to become a better... Read More

Looking For Answers In All The Wrong Places?

Looking around at our circumstances we may see only mountains... Read More

Reacting To Given Situations!

The milkman knocks at the door of the old lady's... Read More

From Stress to Adventure

Ten tips to transform your move into a creative life... Read More

Being Assertive

Many people find it extremely difficult to be assertive, whether... Read More

Management of the Almighty Anger

Apart form the Emotions and the attitude, Anger is a... Read More

Instant Frequency Boosters: 10 Fast and Simple Ways to Raise Your Vibration

When you're feeling "low," or out of the flow, it's... Read More

My Attitudes

"If you don't enjoy getting up and working and finishing... Read More

Train Your Brain, Or Cook Your Goose!

One day while in deep meditation and self analysis, a... Read More

Be Positive

This may sound quite aberrant to most of the younger... Read More

Motivate To Activate A Positive Lifestyle

What do you do when things in your life don't... Read More

Rebuild Those Plans

Byron and I started our first business full of enthusiasm... Read More

Teens And Positive Living

If you are a parent, it is up to you... Read More

The Language of Confidence

The language we use programs our brains. Mastering our language... Read More

Mastering Your Moods: How To Take Charge Of Your Feelings

John Ryder awakens feeling rested, refreshed, and sensing a calm... Read More

Change Your Mind; Change Your Luck

When I was a young man, even a teenager for... Read More

Is ADD Getting You Down? 6 Tips to Sharpen Your Celebrating Skills

Celebrating is a skill that adults with ADD (Attention Deficit... Read More

An Exercise To Open Your Mind To Your Possibilities

Everything exists twice. First, in your mind. Later, before you... Read More

Good News! The Pathway of Change Is Predictable

Often when radical change occurs in our lives we feel... Read More

An Unquestionable, Positive Demeanor - How to Maintain it

Near the end of December 2004, I received an email... Read More

The Illusion of Failure

The most dangerous thing is illusion. ~ Ralph Waldo EmersonFailure... Read More

Changing Negatives to Positives

Occasionally people will ask me how I keep a positive... Read More

Growing Optimistically

Spring is here at last! The season brings with it... Read More

5 Ways To Use Mind Power To Maximise Your Potential

Why do patients who are given placebo pills report that... Read More

Accepting Rejected Thoughts

Sometimes we are in a position to look into the... Read More

Using Power Affirmations on ePosters

I believe that one of the best ways to stay... Read More