The Risks of Over-relying on Positive Thinking

Sep 30 , 2023
By Selome Getachew

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The notion of luck and positivity's magnetic pull has echoed throughout the history of humanity. From ancient tales to the infectious rhythms of Bob Marley's "Positive Vibration", the message of collaboration and unity has always been present.

However, the surge in belief around specific positive manifestation, notably with Rhonda Byrne's 2006 bestseller "The Secret", suggests a paradigm shift. While Byrne's work skyrocketed the concept into mainstream consciousness, asserting that "All thoughts turn into things eventually," recent events and research compel us to scrutinise the outcomes and implications of this phenomenon.

The question remains: Does an unwavering faith in positive affirmations bring success? Or are we setting ourselves up for disappointment by overlooking the complexities of our world?

In a world where success stories are coveted, anecdotes of an Ethiopian civil engineer attributing her achievements — from best-selling books to a staggering monthly income of one million dollars generated from her inspirational YouTube videos — to manifestation practices raise eyebrows. Success in developing countries is not a straight path, especially for women. It is paved with hurdles, challenges, and often systemic issues that cannot be merely thought away.

These beliefs find fuel in an ever-expanding community of "Life Coaches". These modern gurus traverse continents, evangelising the magic formula to attain one's desires and, unsurprisingly, find a significant clientele. It resonated with a vast audience. They argue for the innate power within, urging devotees to cast away external expectations.

Their tool of choice?

Vision boards and positive affirmations.

But how valid is their model?

In one notable instance, a famous life coach interviewed a prospective PhD candidate, focusing solely on the power of affirmations. However, the complete omission of hard work, dedication, and resilience paints an unrealistic picture. Attributing academic achievements solely to positive thinking is a disservice to the sheer grit required. Research also prompts caution.

For one, over-reliance on manifestation may create cognitive dissonance. Believing we can control the uncontrollable may distort our self-perception and deter proactive problem-solving. Rather than being a motivator, this belief could become a paralysing force. More startling is the vulnerability of individuals with low self-esteem. Contrary to popular belief, positive affirmations may exacerbate negative feelings. A study suggested that when these affirmations conflict with deep-seated negative self-beliefs, they can intensify self-deprecation.

These practices might instil a misguided approach to risk assessment, which is critical for both individuals and countries. Over-emphasising internal positivity can lead to under-preparing for external adversities. In business and policymaking alike, thorough risk assessment is indispensable for sustainable strategies.

Affirmations also risk masking core issues. Chanting, "I am thin", does not address the underlying challenges associated with weight management. There is a need to dig deeper, understand root causes, and take action. Over-reliance on positive affirmations might set up individuals for harsh setbacks. In our hyper-competitive global landscape, setbacks are inevitable. By not preparing for them, we risk magnifying their impact.

This trend is not merely a benign diversion; it can have real-world implications. For instance, the civil engineer's confession about grappling with mental health crises, partly due to unmet expectations from manifestation practices, highlights the potential dangers. Whether this indicates a larger pattern or an isolated incident warrants further investigation.

And then there is the issue of "spiritual bypassing". Avoiding the demanding work required for genuine personal growth by glossing over negative emotions can lead to long-term emotional stagnation. Drawing a parallel, one might imagine a cat envisioning itself as a lion. While a confidence boost is beneficial, a distortion of reality is not. It is crucial to strike a balance between optimism and realism.

Wisdom is critical as we wade through this amplified self-awareness and self-improvement era. While positive affirmations can undoubtedly serve as tools for motivation and self-belief, they are not substitutes for action, resilience, and authentic self-awareness. Reality checks, combined with hard work, still remain the most reliable path to success. It is helpful to differentiate between positive thinking and positive delusion. The former can propel one to persevere, while the latter can deter one from taking the necessary tangible steps toward achieving their objectives. As with most things, a balanced approach tends to be most effective.

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PUBLISHED ON Sep 30,2023 [ VOL 24 , NO 1222]

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