Keeping a positive outlook is not always an easy task. However, we are so much better off learning to think this way, as negative thoughts can significantly affect our lives. Author Lorna Anne shares the downsides of “Poverty Thinking.”
What is poverty thinking? “The grass is always browner on the other side of the fence,” of course. Predicting negative futures (catastrophes) is the obvious example. If one were to attempt change of any kind, it would be worse than the present situation.
Poverty thinking creeps into our thoughts in so many ways; there are many occasions in which a current situation that we are part of could progress into something better or worse. It is the unknown future– and a poverty thinker would always predict that the worst case scenario will happen.
If one’s thoughts are going to be invested in an unknown future, why not let it be a positive one? Why not imagine the best case scenario? The most common response is “I don’t want to be disappointed.” But, if like attracts like, that way of thinking is a set-up for failure.
Even in a situation that blatantly looks terrible, it’s probable that the powers are protecting us from something worse. For example, a car not starting may prevent us from going out and getting in an accident. Unforeseen circumstances should be trusted because there are unknown variables affecting our world.
Usually a poverty thinker’s negative view is often directed at themselves. They blame themselves for making mistakes and being wrong. It is a lack of trust within themselves as positive creators of their destiny.
Negative judgment can carry over to others’ destinies as well. For example, someone they know begins a new endeavor (a new store, a new career, etc) and the poverty thinker will be the first, of course, to jump to the conclusion that they are making a big mistake and it will never succeed.
A poverty thinker has no belief in possibility or potential, and prefers to sit in a life of negative stagnation and unhappy situations, rather than trust in themselves and their world. The result is that they are never totally supportive or behind anything. There’s always the queasy uneasiness of something going wrong.
Betting on the negative, for any reason, is a self-fulfilling prophesy. The solution? Think positively and protect yourself. Invest your thoughts, like wealth, in positive outcomes and learn to see the good rather than focus on the negative. Is the coffee cup half empty or half full?
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted in your life that took time, physically or mentally?
An unconditional acceptance of reality as good, nurturing and positive, rather than frightening, negative and destructive.
What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life?
My fairness, moral courage and fortitude.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What goals do you still have?
Getting my writing published. Future goal: to help clean up irrational fear from the world.
What is your not-so-perfect way? What imperfections and quirks create your Identity?
I am a unique individual, willing to sacrifice what I must, in order to pursue wisdom and my truth.
How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love myself and my world.
