The Power of Positive Thinking
18 July 2011
Read by 1557 persons
Without constantly smiling, you can easily improve your good mood and optimism every day. This creates a stimulating work environment.
The Half-Full Glass Theory
The same event can be experienced in many different ways depending on the person. The theory of the half-empty glass is a good example. Some see it as half-full... The glass is the same, but the perception one can have of it can be rather positive or rather negative.
This theory can be applied to many other situations. For example, if you are going through a turbulent and difficult period, instead of focusing on this situation, try to look with a kind eye at everything you have already accomplished so far. This can help you to put things into perspective.
Similarly, in daily life, instead of counting the time lost in transport, count the time gained listening to the radio or reading your favorite novel.
Positive Thinking
In the same spirit, the theory of positive thinking is based on the fact that thought can influence our attitude. Because, with a more optimistic and enthusiastic thought, we often see the future in a happier light. As a result, we tend to build projects, to be more conquering. Conversely, when we cultivate a pessimistic state of mind, we tend to shut ourselves off in a bubble of immobility and, as a result, few positive things actually happen.
The Coué method, well known to the general public, also encourages each of us to convince ourselves of the positive side of situations. The famous "I am fine, everything is fine" repeated in a loop is an example. More broadly, the way we talk to ourselves can influence our behavior. By telling ourselves positive things, we can help ourselves avoid anger or a sullen mood.
Expert Opinion: The Stockdale Paradox
In his work Good to Great (HarperBusiness, 2001), American researcher and management specialist Jim Collins speaks of the Stockdale paradox to evoke the fact that, to succeed, one must prepare to face dramatic and brutal events without losing hope.
He refers in fact to Admiral Jim Stockdale, an American officer who was a prisoner during the Vietnam War and who was tortured many times. While he never lost hope of getting out of his dramatic situation, he was also preparing himself to endure even worse. He placed himself in a logic of survival. And by expecting to undergo brutal events, he created a morale of steel. But at the same time, he kept the hope of getting out of it. Hence the paradox.
He recounts that the "optimists" who were in captivity with him did not get out. They hoped to get out at Christmas, then the months went by... and they died of despair. This extreme example can be transposed to the business world. It is indeed necessary to prepare for difficult situations (economic crisis, restructuring, loss of contracts, layoffs...) while maintaining confidence in one's ability to bounce back, to face the market, etc. But it is very important to face reality and not to be lulled into illusions about better tomorrows.
www.vocatis.fr
Posted online on July 18, 2011.
The Half-Full Glass Theory
The same event can be experienced in many different ways depending on the person. The theory of the half-empty glass is a good example. Some see it as half-full... The glass is the same, but the perception one can have of it can be rather positive or rather negative.
This theory can be applied to many other situations. For example, if you are going through a turbulent and difficult period, instead of focusing on this situation, try to look with a kind eye at everything you have already accomplished so far. This can help you to put things into perspective.
Similarly, in daily life, instead of counting the time lost in transport, count the time gained listening to the radio or reading your favorite novel.
Positive Thinking
In the same spirit, the theory of positive thinking is based on the fact that thought can influence our attitude. Because, with a more optimistic and enthusiastic thought, we often see the future in a happier light. As a result, we tend to build projects, to be more conquering. Conversely, when we cultivate a pessimistic state of mind, we tend to shut ourselves off in a bubble of immobility and, as a result, few positive things actually happen.
The Coué method, well known to the general public, also encourages each of us to convince ourselves of the positive side of situations. The famous "I am fine, everything is fine" repeated in a loop is an example. More broadly, the way we talk to ourselves can influence our behavior. By telling ourselves positive things, we can help ourselves avoid anger or a sullen mood.
Expert Opinion: The Stockdale Paradox
In his work Good to Great (HarperBusiness, 2001), American researcher and management specialist Jim Collins speaks of the Stockdale paradox to evoke the fact that, to succeed, one must prepare to face dramatic and brutal events without losing hope.
He refers in fact to Admiral Jim Stockdale, an American officer who was a prisoner during the Vietnam War and who was tortured many times. While he never lost hope of getting out of his dramatic situation, he was also preparing himself to endure even worse. He placed himself in a logic of survival. And by expecting to undergo brutal events, he created a morale of steel. But at the same time, he kept the hope of getting out of it. Hence the paradox.
He recounts that the "optimists" who were in captivity with him did not get out. They hoped to get out at Christmas, then the months went by... and they died of despair. This extreme example can be transposed to the business world. It is indeed necessary to prepare for difficult situations (economic crisis, restructuring, loss of contracts, layoffs...) while maintaining confidence in one's ability to bounce back, to face the market, etc. But it is very important to face reality and not to be lulled into illusions about better tomorrows.
www.vocatis.fr
Posted online on July 18, 2011.
