There’s a new trend in the work place, life style magazines, and any conference or workshop you might get invited to; the subject is always about positive thinking and the power of change! Very attractive, don’ t you think?
Lately I have been seriously getting annoyed by those “CLOWNS” that cannot stop talking how they were able to become the happiest persons on earth, and how they could dramatically change their life just because they decided to, and how they could finally make their dreams come true! Again it sounds very inspiring, but is what they are telling realistic, or even applicable in real life?
I thought that I was the only one annoyed by it, until I ran into this video by RSA Animate under the title of Smile or Die by Barbara Ehrenreich.
In this video she criticizes the philosophy of the power of positive thinking, and she highlights that by only thinking positively your problems wouldn’t be solved, nor your dreams would come true!
Along those lines I want to criticize all those motivation speeches about the power of change and that change is in your hand! Yes of course we have the power to change things, but come on ... don’ t you hate it when a multi-millionaire come to tell you that life is too short and that you should do what you like; for instance, if you hate your job or your boss just leave it and do what you like! Listening to those people you might think: what about all the commitments I have? Or who will pay for the house mortgage, or the school fees of my kids?
Yes, for those people things seem so easy especially when they preach them from high above, when they are worth multi-millions and it doesn’t’ t really matter whether they work or not because they have enough money to attract more money and just survive out if it!
Of course I am not saying that we cannot change our lives, but please let’s be realistic! Things are not that easy! No one likes to sacrifice his passions, but sometimes in life we have to do what we have to do.
Change is good, and very important; it definitely brings evolution in life. But the initiation of change should not be impulsive! Yes, there are some inspiring stories out there, but probably those people got lucky! If you’ re unhappy with the status quo, you should definitely do something about it, but make calculated steps, plan it, and of course some adventure spirit or taking some calculated risk wouldn’t hurt.
Getting back to Barbara’s speech about all this positive thinking philosophy, I am the first person to believe that positive thinking attracts positive things towards you, but hey! Let’s not exaggerate! Positive thinking by itself doesn’t save the world, and it is really great to try to think positively in all circumstances, but this doesn’t mean that no action is needed. If you want to become the CEO of the company, you should definitely believe that you can do it, but maybe as well working hard towards it could help ;)
In the end, a quick message to all those who preach about positive thinking and the power of change, maybe you should teach some action tactics, like how to plan change and how to set realistic goals that are reachable instead of telling people to just follow their dreams!
And you, what do you think?
Eliana
I like it el hage. 'Keeping it real' needs more advocates like you :-)
Posted by: arjun | 03/19/2011 at 06:44 PM
I have to agree with Roy S in one thing. Nagging about your situation only makes things worse. I have seen it up close and personal with people that I love.
They complain so much about everything that it becomes unbearable just to be around them, not only because the nagging is annoying, but because they actually become a magnet for bad things happening to them!
I agree with you that positive thinking alone doesn´t solve your problems, but it does help to think with a clear head, and if you externalize that positive energy it might actually attract people closer to you who can eventually help you out in a tough situation (as long as you don´t become nauseatingly cheerful with that positive energy).
Want to know what I think? There is a time for everything. You just need to keep things balanced. Think positive, but act on the positive. Do no harm to others, and you will find the road to success is suddenly not that hard to find.
Posted by: CAP | 03/18/2011 at 02:07 PM
Positive thinking alone will not do the job, that's understandable. But if you want change, you should start by that. Any action is preceded by a thought and that thought will determine if the action followed is positive or negative.
Keep nagging about your situation and, at best, it will stay the same if it doesn’t get worse.
If you’re bound on criticizing multi-millionaires who preach about the virtue of being positive and enjoying life, try to read one of Richard Branson’s books. He wasn’t always a billionaire. Actually, he was broke at one time. Many could learn a thing or two from him.
Tell me what you think ;)
Posted by: Roy S | 03/14/2011 at 06:33 PM