Positive Doesn’t Mean Delusional

By: A Staff Writer

Updated on: Sep 02, 2024

Positive Doesn’t Mean Delusional

Ignoring real problems and pretending everything’s awesome is NOT the goal. There’s a balance to be found.

“Good vibes only” culture can shame people for feeling normal human emotions, making it worse.

• Acknowledge the negative: Stuffing it down doesn’t work. Name the feeling to gain power over it (“I’m frustrated” not “I’m a failure”)
• “This sucks, AND…” …I can learn from it, …it will make me stronger, …it’s temporary, etc. Brings perspective.
• Focus on what you CAN control: Endless venting about the uncontrollable is draining. Shift the energy to action.
• Problem-solving mindset: Where’s the opportunity hidden in this setback? This primes your brain for solutions.
• Progress, not perfection: Celebrating even small wins keeps you motivated, perfectionism leads to beating yourself up.
• Selective negativity: Ruminating on worst-case scenarios is useless. Channel that energy into preventing them if possible.

What’s your go-to phrase when things get tough? Does it actually help?

Experiment with reframing a negative thought in a more neutral, or even slightly positive way. Notice how it shifts your mood.