This is a question that always makes me think. There are so many books, courses and other media that we have available which mention positive thinking as a key to having a wonderful, enriched and fulfilled life. Some of them appear to suggest that through the power of thought alone, we can literally create anything we want for ourselves. Now, I’ve believed three different ideas here - the first that positive thinking alone can provide you with everything; another that positive thinking is a complete load of codswallop; and the last that positive thinking is vital, however it is only the first step to creating that which we want.

I’m currently of the opinion that positive thinking is vital, but we need to add the other two parts to complete the process. These two parts are words and actions. I remember something from my childhood about “thought, word and deed” which is a useful phrase here. The idea that thoughts create words, which in turn create deeds (or actions) and the actions create that which we want.

The first position here (certainly the one which I first occupied) is the belief that positive thinking is a load of rubbish, new-age thinking that doesn’t get anyone anywhere in life, because you have to work hard to get anywhere etc, etc. There is certainly value in this belief, I perhaps would question if this is the most blind place to be as this type of person is unlikely to consider the possibility that they may be wrong. Of course I’m not saying that they are!

The second position, where simply by thinking, we can create whatever we want is a wonderful place to be (provided it is working out for us) otherwise there is the possibility that we will go back to the first position or will decide that the third position is more appropriate. This position is perhaps on the surface the most appealing, because it involves very little responsibility and action on our parts. I personally have spent a good deal of my life in this place, however the lack of results may also be attributed to a lack of belief in my goals.

The third position, where I am currently choosing to reside, recognises the value of positive thinking and believes that it is a tool for us to create words and actions that will bring our desires into our reality. To me this is enormously attractive as my joy in life is often found in the journey towards my goals, although they taste pretty sweet when they arrive! The sense of achievement that my thoughts, words and actions have created is a wonderful reward in itself.

I am not a proponent of any type of thinking, I believe that the value of life is to think what you like. I simply ask you to consider your thoughts on this question, even if you think like me, consider the value of the other positions and question your own belief and thinking to either strengthen or create a new way of thinking that is better suited to you. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas or opinions on this question.

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Technorati Tags: Actions, Beliefs, Creating, positive thinking, question, responsibility, thoughts

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This is inspired from one of our thoughts of the day posted at the new Aquarius Coaching Forum in which readers are invited to consider the thought or idea for that day. This particular one, What Can I Do Differently Today, has got me thinking.

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Before I get onto that, a bit of a plug: I’ve just listed this blog at LS Blogs and thought it’s worth a mention - I’ve listed them also in the Blog Directories Links. It’s a great place to get your own blog listed and many of the categories have a high page rank too which is uncommon for a free directory service like this.

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There are many applications for this thought, “what can I do differently?”. Firstly, in the morning you can consider what you have to do that day and the things you normally do on a daily basis, and ask the question what can I do differently or what improvements can I make?For example, you probably say good morning to a few people, if you work in an office. So what can you do differently? Can you perhaps spend a few minutes talking with them, asking them how they are, being interested in them? Maybe you already do, so what improvements can you make to the relationship, etc.

This giving thought to the things that you do can have incredible benefits. In my example, people will begin to respond more warmly to you in your interactions with them and if you are in a management position, it may help productivity and communication.

Other applications for this idea can come about as you go about your life, giving thought to your thoughts, words and actions as you interact with the world and others around you. Remember that today is the only shot you get at this day, so thinking about things like this can help you get the most from it.

I’d love to hear some feedback on what you’ve done differently today, post any comments by clicking the comments link below.

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Technorati Tags: Actions, making a difference, relationships, thoughts

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