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The myth of positive thinking and the Universe

“It’s a scandal…”

 

…how so many self-proclaimed development gurus misinform people.

 

And there is no bigger lie than the scandalous claim that all you need to do is focus on positive things and positive things will happen.

 

Some even claim that if you think positive, the “Universe” will be kind to you and will make positive things happen to you.

 

No it won’t!

 

And what the hell does the “Universe” mean anyhow?

 

First of all…

 

Let’s look at the downside of positive thinking.

 

If you just think positive thoughts about yourself, but those thoughts are not consistent with your inner beliefs, your mind and body respond with a stress response.

 

Your subconscious mind knows that you are trying to lie to it.
This creates internal stress.

 

For example, if you are taught to think something like…

 

“I am a wonderful, good-looking superstar.”

 

But your inner beliefs are programmed to believe:

 

“I am a sometimes ok, not very pretty, ordinary person”

 

You have a conflict right there!

 

Now don’t get me wrong…

 

There are many benefits in focusing on the positive elements of life. You will notice more opportunities, for one.

 

But simply thinking positive thoughts to change your life is both unrealistic and potentially damaging.

 

Which leads me back to the Universe nonsense.

 

Here’s the harsh truth about the Universe.

 

It won’t be kind to you.

 

In fact…
It doesn’t really care about you.

 

If you want greater happiness in your life, first you have to realise that happiness will not come from the outside (that includes the Universe)

 

Think about it…

 

Most people have more money and material things when they get older and get a good job.

 

But are you any happier now than when you were a poor student having to be very careful with your spending?

 

I doubt it.

 

If you were miserable as a student without money then you will also be miserable as a successful executive with money (unless you made some internal changes to your beliefs)

 

So always remember this…

 

You have everything you need to be as happy as you want inside your mind right now.

 

No magic.
No universe.
No voodoo.

 

Just mindfulness and gratitude of each special moment.

 

And a realization that you are “enough”
You are ok because you are you.

 

You don’t need to do anything.
You don’t need to prove anything to anyone.

 

Just be.

 

 

I’m off to be grateful for who I am and all the wonderful moments I have in my life.

 

How about you?

 

To your happiness and fulfillment.

 

 

 

 

Steve Neale
“Europe’s Leading Expert on Personal and Professional Growth”

 

Psychologist, Executive Coach, EI Practitioner, Award Winning Trainer, International Author, Psychodynamic Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Mindfulness Instructor, International Speaker, Creator of the LPS, Creator of the Accredited Masters in High Performance Leadership

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