It Takes More than Positive Thinking

Some are skeptical as to the power of positive thinking. People have told me they tried "that positive thinking stuff" and it didn't work. They are convinced the concept is a lot of hype with very little substance.

In talking to many people over the years, I have found a common belief held by those who reject that thinking patterns have an impact on their lives. These individuals doubt the significance of their thoughts. They are frustrated, feeling they don't have much control over their life. So if they give positive thinking a try, it is reluctantly at best.

Positive thinking has very little chance of being effective if you don't believe in the concept. By having a negative attitude about positive thoughts, you effectively negate any chance of it working. So, the first step in making your positive thoughts work is to believe they will.

This belief doesn't require blind faith. Everywhere you look are numerous examples of the effectiveness of positive thinking. Each person who takes control of his or her life invariably uses the positive power of their mind. Conversely, those who fail to achieve their goals and are unhappy and frustrated, have a consistently negative attitude.

But positive thinking is just the first step. You can be wildly enthusiastic, bursting with positive thoughts, and yet not experience any desired results unless you take the next step of positive action. Only through action will anything be accomplished.

Those who have soured on positive thinking have not taken the second step of action. Positive thinking without action is like starting a car but leaving it in neutral. It's not surprising then that these people conclude positive thinking doesn't work. For them it didn't.

Not surprisingly, the attitude one has when taking action is crucial. There is a huge difference between a person who is willing to give something a try and one who is determined to make it work. A person who gives something a try is prepared to give up at the first obstacle.

In contrast, the person determined to reach a goal will persist until the desired destination is attained, regardless of challenge or adversity. This individual turns positive thinking into success through unstoppable action.

The key to accomplishment is persistence. Bumps in the road are neither a reason nor excuse to give up. Successful people never, ever give up. Positive thinking has the power to keep you motivated and to give you the strength and drive to keep going.

People who have tried, failed, and given up are often the staunchest detractors of the effectiveness of positive thinking. Ignore their negative rants. Paying attention to their erroneous assertions will drag you down.

Have no doubt, positive thinking combined with positive action creates a powerful force. Both components are essential. Attitude without action is just as ineffective as activity without drive.

Too often, positive thinking is promoted as some kind of magic elixir that can solve all problems while attracting success. People interpret these claims to offer an easy solution to life's problems. They think all they have to do is think the right thoughts in order for things to fall into place.

Positive thinking is essential for a fulfilling life. There is no way to realize your dreams without it. However, making positive thinking work takes effort, lots of effort. There are no shortcuts.

Make positive thinking part of your personality. Take the necessary action to reach your goals. Pay no attention to the naysayers. Follow the example of others who are successful. Keep going until your goals are reached.