Why Positive Thinking Doesn't Work: Part Two

In "Why Positive Thinking Doesn't Work: Part One," I suggested that trying to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts only energizes negativity. I mentioned that while this strategy is pervasive in the self-help world, it shows a lack of understanding about the principle of thought. Errant thoughts are just that—thoughts. In fact, if left unattended, they'll clear up all on their own.

But what about positive thoughts in general? Perhaps, like many motivational gurus recommend, we should do our best to think positively, day in and day out.

What do you think? Is this a sound approach?  Well, not to me.

Many people fear negative thinking, but they fail to see that tending to positive thoughts is just as detrimental.

You see, in an ironic way, noticing thoughts of any kind—negative, positive, even fantastic thoughts—is a sign that you're about to hit a roadblock or steer into trouble. Confused? Consider it this way:  When you are truly conscious, or in "the zone" as we say in sports, do you recognize your thinking? Do positive thoughts keep repeating inside your head? Of course not.

In truth, getting stopped by a thought (negative or positive) is the foundation for a wayward state of mind. It's never what we think, but that we think that that gets us into hot water. The other day, for example, I had a wonderful thought about my daughter. I reasoned that she was beautiful. Seems pleasant and innocent enough. But the minute I became aware of my thinking, I paused and thought again, "Hmm, boys might start coming around the house." Which led to, "I was once a teenage boy." And then, "Who do these boys think they are?" Sound familiar?

To the contrary, when we are truly conscious, our thoughts are so fluent and happen so fast that we aren't capable of grabbing onto them. From a perspective of clarity and freedom (consciousness), I love my daughter to the moon and back; I'm swept away in the feeling—no thought, or effort, required at all.

Positvive thoughts do spawn other thoughts—rarely positive, however.

The bottom line is that positive thinking doesn't work because, other than for solving math problems, thinking doesn't work. Or said another way: if not for thought—you'd never be stuck. So why intentionally fill your head with more of what sticks (thoughts), and thwart your own level of performance and contentment?

Therefore, the next time you are tempted to reach for an affirmation, remember: you're reaching for an illusion, for fool's gold. You can't think yourself into peace of mind, competitiveness, resilience, or love. For true positivity—you'll  never, ever, have to work that hard.