Actions do speak loudly, the problem is that the words we say to ourselves, our inner-talk, generally steers the direction of our actions, not the other way around. So if you see positive actions in people, they are usually the product of positive thoughts first. And the same goes for negative actions following negative thoughts.
The positive thought, ”I will succeed in my new business” might be followed by joining a networking group. Alternatively, the negative thought, “I will fail in my business” might be followed by giving up entirely.
Here’s another example of actions following thoughts. Let’s say two soloists want to sell their marketing service to the same client. Both are offering a similar quality service. Before meeting with the client Paul says to himself “There’s no way he’s going to use my services, I’ve only been in business for three months, there are loads of other marketing people out there with heaps more experience than me”. However, Sigrid says to herself ”My business is new, which means I have loads of energy and heaps more to prove. I’m going to give this everything I’ve got. I can do it. I know I can. I am a success!”
Given that the service is identical, the only difference between these two soloists is their attitude, or way of thinking. Their thought patterns are going to affect their posture, communication, body language, voice quality, eye contact, and a host of other actions.
Soloist Paul, who is racked with negative thoughts, will probably greet the client with slightly hunched shoulders, a weak handshake and a defeated facial expression. While soloist Sigrid, with his positive thoughts, will probably stride in with an outstretched arm, a confident smile and unwavering eye contact. If you were the client, who would you choose?
Positive words and affirmations silence your harshest critic, which is YOU! They also give you the mental edge in business and in every area of your life, including your health and relationships.
There is nothing magical about the outcome of positive thinking, because thinking positively is really hard work. It’s a learned skill/habit and it requires daily practice.
My mother is living proof that positive thoughts and affirmations work. About 22 years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and the prognosis wasn’t very good. She was really sick and even though the side effects of the chemotherapy made her feel weak, mentally she remained strong. Instead of lying in bed thinking “I’m going to die”, which was at times a frightening possibility, she’d say to herself “I must, I must, I must improve my bust!”
In my mum’s case, thanks to modern medicine and a strong mind things did improve, and her beautiful smile still lights up the world today.
Positive thinking doesn’t guarantee success, but followed by positive actions it does ensure a different outcome than if your thoughts pertain only to negativity. Having said that, I do not believe in blind positivity. Sometimes life is hard, and there’s nothing wrong with having a whinge. But if whingeing is the only thing you do, well, it doesn’t leave much time to improve your situation.
Does having positive thoughts work for you? Or do you find the whole thing just positively annoying?!
Click here for my earlier article using fear to build confidence
“ Positive words and affirmations silence your harshest critic, which is YOU! ”
Lucinda Lions writes persuasive and compelling website copy. Her web copywriting ebooks assist solo and micro business owners to write their own sales-boosting copy.
