Kiesha is the author of We Blog Better and Christian Blog: Highly Favored. She’s a technical Writer, former writing instructor, and blogging consultant for small business owners. If you’d like to know more, read her extended bio. Connect with her on Twitter, Google and subscribe to her feed for blogging tips & tricks.
Negative people tend to reduce others who choose to look on the bright side of things as delusional people who refuse to acknowledge reality. But they are the ones who have it twisted. Most positive people make a conscious choice to think positively, not in the absence of reality, but in spite of it.
The reality of the matter, in my opinion, is that there will always be at least one good thing that comes with the bad. Depending on the perspective you choose to take, even the most horrible circumstances have some positive outcomes.
A lost job, is a bad circumstance that could be a blessing in disguise. With more time now freed up, a person could go back to school and finish a degree they’d started or they could go ahead and start that business they’d always been dreaming about, but never had the time to pursue.
Of course, there will always be that one person in your life who will tell you that what you’re trying to accomplish is delusional – don’t listen to them! Instead, analyze the situation. How many of their goals have they accomplished? How many have they abandoned? I don’t even have a crystal ball, but I can probably guess, they’ve given up – and because misery does indeed, love company, they definitely don’t want to see you achieve your goals! Now, you could take what they say to heart, or you can choose to use it as motivation for staying the course.
If you find yourself feeling discouraged and you think your past failures are an indicator of what the future holds – you are highly mistaken. Discouragement is a negative trap designed to keep you in a state of perpetual paralysis. If you are too discouraged to keep working on your goals, then of course, they’ll never be achieved.
How do you guard yourself against negative opinions of others and your own negative thinking?
You don’t need to develop a delusional, happy-go-lucky, everything is peachy attitude – but you do need to remind yourself that what you want is worth working towards. Your dreams are there for a reason, they are there to motivate you, to propel you forward despite adversity, despite obstacles. Your dreawms are there to remind you that your reality today can be better if only you just keep persevering.
But what do you do when you feel tired and discouraged?
Some times, a little rest is needed. So take a break, do something you enjoy. But when you start feeling that deep-set discouragement, you’ve got to fight and you’ve got to remember what you’re fighting for. It’s mind over matter – when you want something, sometimes you’ve got to stop and take a moment to visualize your goals. Then you’ve got to get the mental strength and resolve to act is if you’ve already reached the finish line. You’ve got to channel that happiness, that peace that you know you’ll feel when you get there.
I know this sounds a bit schizphrenic, but bear with me – this works. I’m not asking you to pretend to be rich or pretend that you’re driving that new Lexus you’ve been dreaming about (that would be a bit loony). Instead, I’m asking you to take on that positive attitude that you’d have if your dreams were real today. I’m asking you to put on the mindset of a positive future – the mindset of victory.
With that type of attitude, you’d be indestructible to the opinions of naysayers. You’d be indestructible to stressing over what didn’t go exactly right today. You’d be calm and less likely to get upset over anything. And you’d be more willing to let go of techniques and strategies that clearly aren’t working. You’d be more open to trying something new – a different method; a different habit; possibly even a different niche. You’d be ready to do whatever it takes to reach that point of success that is reserved for you.
Then years later, when you’re floating on your yaht in the Caribbean, you’ll think about those old friends who called you delusional and you’ll be able to sip your drink and laugh.
Regardless of whether positive thinking is delusional or not – I’d rather have my delusions of grandeur any day of week than live the miserable existance that negativity will certainly bring.
photo credit: Daniel Berg
But what about you? Do you think consciously choosing a positive mindset that is based on future victories is borderline delusional? Are you going to let a little name-calling rob you of your success?
Kiesha is the author of We Blog Better and Christian Blog: Highly Favored. She’s a technical Writer, former writing instructor, and blogging consultant for small business owners. If you’d like to know more, read her extended bio. Connect with her on Twitter, Google and subscribe to her feed for blogging tips & tricks.
Its essential to have a positive mindset.Having a positive mindset always helps you to grow bigger in your life.If we have a clear idea about our purpose & goal that itself helps us to recharge ourselves from getting bored or discouraged.But however sometimes the comments from those delusional persons,ignite fire in ourselves, also may drive us towards our goal.
.-= Krish – lifesher´s last blog ..Is Success A State Of Mind ? ? =-.
Hi Krish!
Yeah, I’m stubborn, when someone tells me I can’t do something, that makes me want to prove them wrong all the more.
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..Divinely Inspired Blogging? (Freemanlegacy Guest Post) =-.
Thanx for reply kiesha. Its the natural reaction in us, if whenever someone tells us we r wrong we put our all our effort to prove them wrong. Such people are also essential to make us succeed in life & work
.-= Krish – lifesher´s last blog ..Insane – but true things that Cost to achieve Success =-.
” Do you think consciously choosing a positive mindset that is based on future victories is borderline delusional? ”
Absolutely not. Visualisation is a hugely powerful tool. If you work that dream and live that future in your imagination, your subconscious mind (which is so powerful) will work away in the background to help you achieve it.
I know this is true – I’ve been doing it for years.
Hi Mike!
I’m glad you see things my way! There’s no limit to what you can do when you dream big and refuse to be stopped!
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..3 Disadvantages of Guest Posting and 5 Tips for handling them =-.
I think you are very right, Kiesha. Positive thinking really motivates you even when the going gets hard. But negative thinking lets you give up immediately when something goes wrong cos with negative thinking you already have in your mind that things will not go well.
.-= Shirley´s last blog ..An Ultimate Guide To Getting And Making Use Of Traffic From StumbleUpon =-.
Hi Shirley,
We must fight negative thinking with all our might because the alternative is so grim.
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..3 Disadvantages of Guest Posting and 5 Tips for handling them =-.
Hey Kiesha,
Positive thinking is the only way forward. For me, I visualize what I expect to be living like in 10 years time, and I mean everything… work, car, house, family, hobbies, holidays… the lot. And I find that doing so allows me to stay totally focused on my goals.
In a world such as this you HAVE to think positively otherwise doom and gloom is all around you!
Great post!
.-= Phil Johnson´s last blog ..The importance of good posture at work =-.
Yes Phil, you’re right about the doom and the gloom. I’ll pass and that, thank you very much!
What I find when I think positively and allow my mind to function as if my dreams have already been achieved, I feel wonderfully energetic and ready to take on anything.
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..3 Disadvantages of Guest Posting and 5 Tips for handling them =-.
I used to find any negativity directed my way extremely difficult to handle. I’m a sensitive chap, always have been, and used to find it such a struggle to pick myself up. For example in work situations when I’d faced negativity – towards me or my work – it would take weeks or even months to regain the confidence that I had had before. Learning to take myself less seriously was a big step – allowing life to be a learning process and to shape the future. Sure, sounds cliche but it’s very true!
.-= Mo “Mad Dog” Stoneskin´s last blog ..Enchanted Legumes: the other side of the bean =-.
Hey Mo,
We’ve got a lot in common! Years ago, any criticism would have me in tears – but now, it just propels me forward. Now, I can say thanks for the boost, to any negative creature.
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..Divinely Inspired Blogging? (FreemanLegacy Guest Post) =-.
I’ve learned that what other people think of me or my goals really has nothing to do with me. I let them own their limiting beliefs and just keep moving on in the direction that feels right to me.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..57 Smokin’ Tips to Thaw Blogging Brain Freeze =-.
Hey Jean,
You’ve got the right mindset for sure. You’re right, it has nothing to do with you at all – it’s what people do to make themselves feel better about what they’ve missed out on as result of their negative attitudes.
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..Divinely Inspired Blogging? (Freemanlegacy Guest Post) =-.
Great post Keisha. You make great points about others speaking against you and your dreams. The best thing is indeed to avoid what they’re saying. Very encouraging and motivational. Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Jarrod,
I’m glad you found this post to be encouraging, that was my hope, that someone would read this and be inspired to pursue their dreams – you’re already well on your way, of course
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..Divinely Inspired Blogging? (Freemanlegacy Guest Post) =-.
Heck, I would consider myself proudly delusional, and I have managed to easily focus on my goals without getting distracted by people.
It’s quite simple: Only have an obsessive focus on what you want to accomplish, and let everything else vanish into oblivion.
Seriously, only think about and dream about how you want your reality to be, everything else is secondary. If you train that a lot, it will get easier by the day.
.-= Mars Dorian´s last blog ..How to Create a Service that Blows Everyone AWAAAAAAAAAAAAAY ! =-.
Hey Mars!
(just kidding!) 
Welcome to the Delusional Party! Everybody’s cool here, be sure to mingle, grab some finger foods and mingle!
But you’re right, it’s definitely something you have to practice everyday, but cause one day of negative thinking can set you back years.
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..Divinely Inspired Blogging? (Freemanlegacy Guest Post) =-.
A very good example which will verify your point Kiesha, is Lady Gaga.
Her ex said she would nver amount to anything, but she still kept on, stayed true to herself and now she has found her audience and is successful.
Good stuff.
.-= James Tayo´s last blog ..Grow Your Email List: 6 Pro Secrets Revealed =-.
Hi James!
It definitely doesn’t pay to listen to the naysayers – they’re twisted for sure!
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..Divinely Inspired Blogging? (Freemanlegacy Guest Post) =-.
Hey Keisha,
I loved this quote:
“Regardless of whether positive thinking is delusional or not – I’d rather have my delusions of grandeur any day of week than live the miserable existance that negativity will certainly bring.”
Me, too! A little bit of fantasing never hurt anyone and actually can be a great way to motivate yourself to take action. Sort of like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Isn’t it funny that everyone wants to be around people who are optimistic and are enjoying life, whereas if you are miserable, then no one wants to be with you in case it rubs off on them? It’s a choice.
Karen
.-= Karen´s last blog ..From Homeless To The InfoPreneur – Guest Post =-.
Hi Karen,
You’re right about trying to avoid the “miserable ones” – I have a friend I love dearly, but I often avoid hanging out with her because I can’t take the doom and gloom – I need good news in my life! Everything else is just too draining…
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..3 Disadvantages of Guest Posting and 5 Tips for handling them =-.
This is a great post and one that I think a lot of people could definitely use. I personally am a pessimist at heart but am learning still to be an optimist. It’s better to face things with a positive attitude and just go for it than keep thinking negatively and let other negative influence drown you in what could be your own success.
Great stuff here!
.-= Eric´s last blog ..Twitter Is Powerful When Used Correctly =-.
Hi Eric,
Well my belief is that the first step to recovery is being able to admit the flaw in the first place. Of course, we all have our pessimistic moments, but allowing yourself to drown in it will not only rob you of your success, but could potentially affect those who are looking up to you – yes, there are always people looking up and you never know who they are.
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..Divinely Inspired Blogging? (FreemanLegacy Guest Post) =-.
Great way to put it. I guess getting out of your comfort zone is definitely a path to success and shows people it’s something worth striving for.
.-= eric´s last blog ..Twitter Is Powerful When Used Correctly =-.
Hi Kiesha, I agree, a positive mindset is vitally important to get the results you want. If you surround yourself with positive people you’re more likely to achieve your goals.
.-= Matthew Needham´s last blog ..How to save £5,000 in 30 days =-.
Hi Matthew!
I have no other choice, because I can’t stand it when people are always complaining about EVERYTHING! When they really and truly are blessed.
.-= Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..3 Disadvantages of Guest Posting and 5 Tips for handling them =-.
This is such great advice. Negativity is a trap. I just spoke with a friend today who felt her life was becoming more that way and so she is doing one of the things you suggested – taking time off! And surrounding herself with positive people. I just finished a great book on positive thinking and how it affects prosperity in all aspects of our lives by authors, Deborah Morrison & Arvind Singh. The title is “The Law of Attraction.” I found it very easy to follow and encouraging. You should check it out!
Great post Kiesha! I totally agree with what you wrote. Personally, I live by my 5 Ps of success:
Prayer
Planning
Positive Thinking
Perseverance, and
Patience
Positive thinking is definitely a major part of success in life, relationships, and health.
.-= Chuck Edwards´s last blog ..How to Lose Weight at Home =-.
That was a beautiful way of bring out these points. Negativity can bring your spirit down and you can lose hope. The one thing we need to remember is being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.