Does Positive Thinking Really Work?

Every few years, some new book, system, movie, or other vehicle comes along to promote the power of thinking positively. The basic theory is that if you "put positive energy out there," you will reap positive results and, conversely, a negative approach to life will result in negative consequences.

Some studies have proven that those with a more optimistic outlook on life tend to have better overall health although why this is has yet to be answered. One of the most popular theories is that optimists handle stress better than pessimists who tend to blame themselves for bad things. Sadly, I fall into the latter group for the most part.

I am trying to develop more optimistic thinking patterns and outlooks on the world and others but it isn't easy to do. As I discussed in an earlier post, I have all but quit following the news because it only reports the worst things in the most sensational ways -- and I have honestly been at least a little bit happier! Of course, that is only part of the solution.

My issue with unbound optimism is one of self-delusion. A lot of people are under the impression that just believing in something somehow makes it true and that earnest belief, wishful thinking, faith -- whatever name you give it -- is just as valid as factual information and actual results.

So I put it to those of you who have tried positive thinking: Did it work for you?

© C Harris Lynn, 2013