Positive thinking is not helpful, in isolation

#3 'Board of Directors' that live in your head

I am a half-glass-full person. I believe that every relationship and circumstance in life has a lesson. My role is to find that lesson. But when I am in the middle of something that’s hard.

One of the things we are good at as humans is reducing our pain. We don’t like physical pain and the same goes for emotional. If we burn ourselves we throw the burn under a cold tap as fast as we can. If our heart or head is hurting we try to minimise it by distraction (social media, TV, running, being busy, working hard, drinking). We find things to do to reduce the pain. And you know what, sometimes that’s a good call. Because we can become completely overwhelmed by it. But if we permanently avoid these feelings and thoughts, just like a jack-in-the-box that is wound up, it will explode out. Often when we least expect it.

I am still recovering from chronic fatigue over the past 12 months. I believe I will make a full recovery. That’s a positive belief. The gold from the experience has been understanding how it may have come about. Holding on to others’ emotional pain could have been one of the reasons. I am now learning that I can be there for someone but not fix them. That’s been my lesson. If I only thought positive thoughts about being unwell, I may have missed the lesson.

I’m with Chris Hedler, author of Helpful Beliefs, when he proves that ‘simply ‘being positive’ to avoid reality doesn’t lead to long-term, sustainable performance’.

Thinking positively as a strategy to get over things will only go so far. I think we need to understand our thoughts. Walk alongside them. Name them. Thank them for the lessons they are trying to teach us. Understand the ‘Board of Directors’ that live in our head. Not ignore them. They will surface whether we like it or not. It’s just a matter of time. Are you ignoring some lessons by masking them with positive thinking? Only you can answer that one.?

Ps… Don't miss this chance to transform your relationship with your inner world. Come along to my upcoming online session on Oct 17th ‘Understanding the Board of Directors that live in your head, and gain a more profound perspective on personal growth. You can check it out here.