R2 Thoughts for You Can I Think “Positively” Too Much?
Positive and negative demonstrated with an Electrostatic Generator. One of the mysteries of the atom is that the electron (negative) and the nucleus (positive) attract each other. This attraction is called electrostatic force, the force that holds the electron in orbit.
Can I think positively too much? What does that mean?
Does it mean, “Can I think in a positive way too much?” Or, does it mean, “Can I think too much (where “positively,” in the original question, is used for emphasis)?” Well, I want it to mean, “Can I think in a positive way too much?” I hope I’ve positively cleared that up. :-)
Are you “positive” that I’m too “negative?”
It’s very common for someone to say, “Don’t be so negative.” But, I have very seldom heard the statement, “Don’t be so positive.” You see, most of us are encouraged to be positive and to not even consider the negative. At least, that is my experience.
Should we think only positively, without consideration for the negative?
Many think that a person who thinks positively is not being real. They think the positive thinking person won’t pay attention to obvious danger signs since those signs are usually considered negative. A person who is always positive is just out of touch with reality!
Can we focus on being positive and negative at the same time? Some say we can’t. I have heard realists say that we can’t. These realists are of the opinion that we should compartmentalize our approach into either thinking positively or negatively. For example, if you are trying to make an important decision, they think you should consider all of the negative aspects, prepare for dealing with them AND then think positively as you make the decision. I suppose this might work, but I think it is much better to be a thinker who always considers the negative while constantly thinking positively.
Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower, at press conference at which he announced he would run again, he tells the press, “Now, I have reached a decision, I am going directly to the American people, my answer will be POSITIVE, that is , affirmative.”
Let’s consider the following specific example. Suppose I have a health problem. The first thing I should do is to think positively that I can get my body to heal itself. Of course, in order to do this, I will most likely need to find the cause of the problem and give my body medicine/therapy/support for its healthy recovery.
As I am finding the cause and working toward a healthy recovery, I need to do some negative thinking. Perhaps, what I think is the cause isn’t correct. Maybe, what I am giving my body for its health recovery isn’t working. If I only think positively, I run the risk of not facing the reality of the situation. In other words, I need to positively make my thinking fit reality instead of trying to make reality fit my thinking! WOW!
Of course, only negative thinking is not what I’m advocating. In my above example, if I only use negative thinking, then all I would do is constantly check for other causes and danger signs. In my constant negative thinking frame of mind, I, for example, would not seek the advice of health care professionals for fear of what I might be told. My negative expectations would allow me to expect only negative outcomes.
What I am advocating is to make thinking fit reality while keeping a focus on a positive future. Click here for another point of view that might be helpful.
Can I think positively too much? Only if reality is ignored!
How about a positive or negative comment?
R2 Thoughts for You 
Hello,
My name is Marlenys Rojas Reid. I’m a Graphic Designer and I am creating graphics for a class at the University of Central Florida. I would lik eto know if I can use the photo of the girls with their hand on a generator on this page Can I Think “Positively” Too Much? Its to illustrate the effect of an Electrostatic Generator. Its for a physics class and the course is password protected.
Please let me know,
Thanks,
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