How positive thoughts cause positive actions

A reader asked a great question in response to my article on using fear to build confidence prompting this article on positive thoughts and positive actions. They asked “No matter how positive our thoughts are, don’t actions speak louder than words?”

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?!

• Published 25 July 08
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Business psychology (15) | Business values (16) | Social responsibility (7) | Work motivation (10) | Work styles (6) | Working alone (14)

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12 comments | Add your own 1 2 | Next» View all»

• I am a very positive person. Everything is said or thought in the positive framework. I can arrive at a car park and picture the prime car parking position I will drive to the shops entrance, and stunned passengers will be amazed that it is there waiting for me in a crowded car park. I do think the cancer analogy is a little bit unfair – lots of people remain very positive, but loose the battle. I am glad your mother is doing well. Heather Smith from BRISBANE | Read my articles

• I agree with Heather re the cancer analogy being unfair. Stress, alcoholism, drug and other addictions are, I believe, largely self inflicted and require self discipline and courage to conquer. 'Positive thinking' packages it nicely and it reflects today's society that so many pseudo medicos (generalisation folks!) make a living out of all this self inflicted pain. Cancer is a real physical illness which requires, sadly, a great deal of medication, and physical pain to beat. I think a lot of us have been affected by the loss of 'positive thinking' friends and family to the big C. Sad but true. I think. Cheers, Carl. carl from Sydney

• Thanks to Heather and Carl for your comments on my article. I too have known very positive people who have lost their battle to cancer, and my personal story was not meant to pass judgment on those who have sadly lost their lives. No matter what your frame of mind, you can die from any range of illnesses - this is a sad reality, not a negative reflection on the individual. Lucinda Lions from Sydney, Australia | Read my articles

• Great article Lucinda. For years i've been really interested in how self talk positive or negative can affect your performance in the sporting arena. I'm now starting to apply this to my business with good results.
  Cheers,
  Michael. Michael Naish from Cronulla, NSW

• Being positive absolutely helps - both in your business and personal life. Just like smiling, it can be infectious, and can give you the edge over the competition. It's the little things that count! Amanda Jephtha from Sydney

• I love your article, Lucinda - as Shakespeare wrote "nothing's neither good nor bad, but what we think that makes it so" - so please go forward and share your positive thoughts, for the world is in need! Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles

12 comments | Add your own 1 2 | Next» View all»

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