Positive Power Thinking is NOT the same as Pollyanna Thinking

While sifting through an old book by Robert Schuller called Power Thoughts, I wondered if I might find some additional inspiration.  The work I do with people who are in fear and uncertainty during their career transitions really requires that I stay well-grounded and positive.  So, reading stuff like this is crucial to me.

In the book, I came across a particular passage about positive vs negative thinking and the concept of how Pollyanna thinking is NOT the same as positive power thinking.  That really caught my attention because I find myself often explaining that just because I’m a glass-is-half-full type of person doesn’t mean I’m a Pollyanna.  Schuller says that a positive power thinker “dares to face problems” while a naive Pollyanna thinker” will believe any preposterous proposition offered by a super zealot,” and in doing so “sets aside the critical part of his mental capabilities” and is, therefore, a weak thinker vs a power thinker.

He adds:
Negative thinking aborts power thoughts because it sees something wrong with the proposal.  Positive power thinking expects to see difficulties, challenges, problems, imperfections, shortfalls.  But it believes that the positive potential can be safely isolated, immunized, and then developed constructively, profitably, creatively, redemptively.  That’s why positive Power Thinkers ultimately emerge as the real achievers.

Okay, so now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!  Don’t know about you, but I’m feeling inspired and ready to take on the day!