We hear a lot about positive thinking - books, tapes, lectures etc. I once heard a speaker say, "You can do or be whatever you want if you just think positive." I spent a lot of time thinking about that and although I believe in, and teach, the power of positive thinking, I think there's more to it than just that. I like the story of a salesman who was about to make a call with his manager. "I don't think I can close this sale," said the salesman. The manager replied, "Don't talk like that. You have to think positive." "OK", said the salesman, "Im positive I can't close this sale."
Years ago, when I was managing a direct-selling cookware office, I noticed a trainee standing in front of an office supply store looking in the window. I asked him what he was doing and he said he was trying to decide what type furniture he wanted when he became a manager. Turned out he thought a lot about success but never did what was required to be successful. He didn't last long.
There is a difference between having a dream and just being a dreamer. Here is my personal definition of positive thinking: Positive thinking is a way of looking at yourself that will help you build on your strengths, overcome your weaknesses and tolerate your limitations. It is a way of dwelling on the things to be done with the realization that the greatest achievement of the human spirit is to live up to your potential and make the most of your opportunities and resources.
Ultimately, I think it comes down to setting realistic goals. No matter how hard I think positive about it, I'm never going to play center for the Boston Celtics. (Meet me and you'll see why.) But I can be the best "me" I can be. Positive thinking won't let you do anything - but positive thinking will let you do EVERYTHING - better than negative thinking will; and when you think about it, that's really quite a lot.
Till next time - think positive(ly).
