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Positive Thinking

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A couple of weeks back I wrote about perspective, I think the topic of positive thinking goes hand in hand. They are both about how we see, think, and react to things and events.

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” —Norman Vincent Peale

Here is a quick story…

Allan applied for a new job, but he didn’t believe he will get it, since his self-esteem was low, and he considered himself as a failure and unworthy of success.

 

He had a negative attitude toward himself, and therefore, believed that the other applicants were better and more qualified than him.

 

Allan’s mind was occupied with negative thoughts and fears concerning the job, for the whole week preceding the job interview. He actually, anticipated failure.

 

On the day of the interview, he got up late, and to his horror he discovered that the shirt he planned to wear was dirty, and the other one needed ironing. As it was already too late, he went out wearing a wrinkled shirt and without eating breakfast.

 

During the interview, he was tense, negative, hungry and worried about his shirt. All this, distracted his mind and made it difficult for him to focus on the interview. His overall behavior made a bad impression, and consequently, he materialized his fear and did not get the job.

 

Jim applied for the same job too, but approached the matter in a different way. He was sure that he was going to get the job. During the week preceding the interview, he often visualized himself making a good impression and getting the job.

 

In the evening before the interview, he prepared the clothes he was going to wear, and went to sleep a little earlier. On day of the interview, he woke up earlier than usual, and had ample time to eat breakfast, and then to arrive to the interview before the scheduled time.

 

Jim made a good impression and got the job.

The story illustrates many of the points we have been making over the last few months…

  • Not giving into fear
  • Perspective
  • Visualization
  • Goal setting
  • Being prepared

Both, positive and negative thinking are contagious. Who do you want to be around? Someone that is upbeat and has a positive impact on you or someone that always complains no matter what and brings you down?

Some additional thoughts on positive thinking.

Have a great weekend.

—Vijay

About Friday Food for Thought (FFfT)

I frequently attend conferences and retreats on entrepreneurship and leadership and while I am away, the J2 team picks up the slack, allowing me to learn to be better at what I do. I wanted to share what I was learning with my team, so I created the weekly FFfT emails in November of 2015 and have been writing them ever since.

Before long, the J2 staff began sharing the FFfT emails with their friends and family and now other leaders have asked to be included, which led to the creation of this newsletter. I hope you enjoy!

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