The Balance Between Positive and Negative Thinking

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The Power of Positive Thinking
Positive thinking can be a useful, powerful tool to get through difficult situations that life can bring and it can also be used to help improve the overall quality of one’s life. Those that believe in the power of positive thinking, such as motivational speakers, life coaches, and self-help gurus, claim that taking an optimistic approach to life has shown great benefits. Some of the benefits that believers of positive thinking claim to experience are more stability during stress, physical and psychological well-being, recovery from illness, and healthier relationships. However, there are those that have a different view of the power of positive thinking. They argue that it does little to improve health, the quality of life, or difficult situations. Some believe that too much optimism can pose more harm than good and that having a more negative approach is, at times, the better route to take. Studies, research, and analysis of personal experiences from experts on the power of positive thinking has been done to examine the benefits and potential harm of positive and negative thinking.
Two notable advocates that stand behind the power of positive thinking and the benefits gained from it are Norman Vincent Peale and his wife, Ruth. Mr. Peale is a progenitor of the theory of positive thinking and is best known for authoring “The Power of Positive Thinking”, a New York Times bestseller. His book outlines principles and techniques for gaining achievement, happiness, and health. Peal states that “these principles have worked so efficiently over so long a period of time that they are now firmly established as documented and demonstrated truth” (Peale xii). The proof that Peale’s techniques can wo...

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...09. Print.
Grainger, Ruth D. "The Use-and Abuse-of Negative Thinking." The American Journal of Nursing 91.8 (1991): 13-14. JSTOR. Web. 23 July 2013.
Harrell, Keith. "Attitude in the Workplace." - SUCCESS Magazine. CMS: Hosting & Web Development, 2013. Web. 30 July 2013.
Neuharth, Al. "Can Positive Thinking Help Healthy Aging?" USA Today 22 Sept. 2006, News sec.: 9a. Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 July 2013.
Paris, Mary J. "Attitude: The Power of Positive in the Workplace." Attitude: The Power of Positive in the Workplace. SelfGrowth.com, n.d. Web. 30 July 2013.
Peale, Norman Vincent. The Power of Positive Thinking. New York: Fireside/Simon & Schuster, 2003. Print.
Scheier, Michael F., and Charles S. Carver. "On the Power of Positive Thinking: The Benefits of Being Optimistic." Current Directions in Psychological Science 2.1 (1993): 26-30. JSTOR. Web. 23 July 2013.

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