Want to be happier? Evidence-based tricks to get you there

Positive Thinking

Positive thinking and gratitude, though often conflated, are distinct concepts. Laurie Santos explains that gratitude is an emotion of thankfulness, deeply felt and beneficial, while positive thinking is more about envisioning an ideal future without necessarily acknowledging reality 1. This distinction is crucial because merely fantasizing about positive outcomes can lead to complacency, as people might feel they've already achieved their goals mentally. Santos highlights research showing that excessive positive thinking can paradoxically hinder progress.

What we find is the more positive people think about the future, actually, the less well they do in reaching the positive future.

--- Laurie Santos

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Risks

The risks of relying solely on positive thinking are significant. Laurie Santos discusses how positive fantasies can be detrimental, as they may lead to inaction and poor outcomes, such as in weight loss or recovery scenarios 2. She introduces the concept of "whoop," an acronym for Wish, Outcome, Obstacles, Plan, which encourages a more balanced approach by considering potential obstacles and planning accordingly 2. This method contrasts with traditional positive thinking by emphasizing realistic planning and action.

Positive thinking works if you can contrast what you want, your desires in the world, how everything works out perfectly with the actual gritty reality of the situation.

--- Laurie Santos

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