Why is positive thinking a trap and proactivity the new paradigm?
See reality as it is and take practical steps for improvements
Suppose the economy was in a downturn, and everything looked bad for your company. Your company analyzed the heavy recession and concluded that it would only get worse before it gets better. If you were a board member, how would a board meeting look like at this time? How could it have ended?
From depressed to hopeful
This is exactly what happened to Stephen Covey in a similar setting. He was working with companies in the home improvement industry. The recession hit this industry even harder than others. In the first part of the meeting, they discussed where they are standing, which doesn’t look good. In the second part of the meeting, they investigate trends and numbers and found that the environment will only worsen in the future. They were discouraged and depressed.
But then, they started asking the question, “How can we respond to this situation?”
In the third part of the meeting, they find ways to reduce costs and increase market share. Again, they focus on what is doable and double down the resource in key areas. At the end of the meeting, they conclude that “Business is better than ever.”
Initiate your response in practical steps to improve the reality
Proactivity is responsibility plus initiative. We’ve talked about responsibility in my previous article. But today’s story shows the importance of initiating your response and take theories into practice. This is a story of people who acted proactively in a difficult situation to find solid plans and hope. The setback didn’t determine their behavior, and neither did their emotions paralyze them. Instead, they act. They initiate to create a future they want. Well, you might say that this is all positive thinking or wishful thinking. But the difference between proactivity and positive thinking is:
Did you accept reality as it is?
When they faced adversity, they realized and acknowledged how bad it was. But they did not dwell on that thought. Instead, they take responsibility, AKA their ability to respond and practically imagine a possible good outcome.
If not today, when?
A couple of questions for you.
Q1. Do you practice positive thinking to a point where you find some truth hard to swallow?
We misuse the tool of positive thinking because we all want to “feel good.” And we thought, “If I see reality as it is, it will ruin me, so I might as well lie to myself.” Yet, that is far from the truth. Only when you see reality as it is, you start looking for practical ways to improve and make progress. Wouldn’t real progress make you “feel good” in the long run?
This led us to the second question for you.
Q2. Are there ways you know you can improve but you never actually tried?
Take a leap to initiate something so you won’t stay in the depressed mode. Then, when starting to focus on the practical solutions, you will truly “feel good” about yourself and be on the path of self-growth.
If you are in bad shape physically, see a nutritionist, talk to a friend, or Google to find a way to improve. If you are in bad shape mentally, see a therapist, talk to a friend, or Google to find a way to improve. It’s all about taking your first step to acknowledge reality and respond.
Remember, though, self-growth is holy ground. So take your time and be patient. Will you?
You know the steps to be proactive now: See reality as it is and take practical steps for improvements. I hope you initiate what’s important to you, starting now.
Inspired by The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
