Can too much positivity quotes be an overkill? The Internet weighs in on the word’s many faces beyond “carpe diem”.
Author’s Note: This piece was first published on my old blog a year ago, and now I will be resharing it here.
“If only I did this….”
”What went wrong…what could have been…”
”It’s all my fault….”
”I wish….”
…and cue the other cliched phrases uttered when things go south. Adversity, problem, hurdle, a monkey in the back — call it whatever you like, often leave us with unruly feelings of defeatism and hopelessness when it hits us hard like a meteor falling from the sky. We can’t help but wonder endlessly on what went wrong or what we could’ve done differently that things could’ve gone our way.
At the same time, we often find ourselves seeking refuge to reinvigorate this particular abstract word that is almost synonymous with happiness. What is that word again? Ah yes, our good old friend positivity.
Speaking of which, pretty sure you may have these phrases at least once in your life after a bad day or a screw-up you just can’t brush off:
“Think happy thoughts.”
”Stay positive!”
”Look on the bright side…”
”Nobody likes a Negative Nancy!”
Type in the exact keyword on any search engine and you’ll be loaded with over 87,000,000 results in a hasty 0.40 seconds. Mention any idea that touches positivity as the core topic and the first two pages of Google search alone will give you exactly what you’re looking for: positivity quotes to get you through everything, how positivity makes you happy and successful, how having a positive mindset is a surefire way to achieve success, etc. Somewhere in between are a large fraction of TED talks, motivational videos (i.e. Bright Side), and quote-devoted Instagram profiles that preach positivity and receive overwhelming kudos in return. Love it or hate it, positivity is something that will never go out of style because people never get tired of talking about it.
Years of reading countless material on this subject have left me wondering: what is positivity anyway? What makes it so extraordinary that it piques most people’s interest? Is all positivity good? All these questions have propelled me to go sleuth mode by exploring possible answers on how the Internet perceives positivity.
After a few hours of scouring the web, I found interesting takes on positivity. Much to the surprise of no one, most of them paint the subject in a nice light; yet there are some arguments opposing the so-called “positive culture” in general.
So what does the Internet say about positivity in general? Let me sum up a few for you, both the good and the bad:
1. Replace “can’t” with “can”: use affirmative language
Positivity and communication are generally intertwined. At least one of a dozen listicles around will state that the key to positive thinking is by putting a positive spin on a negative situation, such as nailing behavioral job interviews that test our ability to handle difficult situations. Too often, we are encouraged to speak the positive language because our words may have a resounding impact on our perceptions of life and even our fate. By speaking positively, we improve our mindset as illustrated by directing our energy to achieve our goals instead of wallowing on negative self-talk. Also, we are more likely to forgo negative thoughts when we spread mantras and compliments. Even Jack Canfield (author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, a personal favorite) has encouraged using affirmations to live the life we desire.
2. Something something smiling something: X Habits of Positive People
Maintaining an upbeat outlook in a world filled with chaos is a topic of great interest that there a hundred takes on it including those apparently backed by experts. If I elaborate on every tip mentioned by bloggers and publications alike, it might take me over six months before I blog them all so I’ll just give you a condensed version on the top of the results page.
Be it 12, 17, or 20 — any article discussing the daily habits of positive people trot out similar advice. Similarly, there are articles claiming such tips are backed by experts. Say whatever you will but you may have seen no less than one of the following things optimistic people do in common:
- Stop complaining.
- Live in the moment / Live in the now / Live life to the fullest.
- Practice self-care.
- Smile (well that is a given)
- Do something nice for other people.
- Express gratitude by giving thanks after every favor done for you.
- Count your blessings.
- Think every setback or failure as a blessing in disguise / stepping stone to success.
- Don’t let negative thoughts crush you.
- Be surrounded by positive people.
- Keep up with your friends and family.
- Always be on the lookout for opportunities.
- Carpe diem.
Still unsure on how you can attain a sunny disposition? Take time to read this or this or this and decide which one will help you the most.
3. How to Win Friends and Influence People: Be Surrounded By Positive People
It goes without saying but we are often told that positivity is just as infectious as the people we hang out with. Optimists are viewed as assets that inspire creativity and boost productivity levels while pessimists can drag you down. As among the “right people” to associate with, positive people can act as your cheerleaders who are willing to share your heartache and guide you in every step of your resurgence.
4. #CheesyPositiveQuotes: When Instagram Cliches Fail To Inspire
“Good things happen to those who wait.”
“Stop wishing, start doing.”
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“You can’t live a positive life without a negative mind.”
Ah, the litany of inspirational quotes scattered all over our social feeds every now and then. Who can forget those flowery, booming words originally designed to make your heart flutter and your eyes beam sun rays? However, with every goldmine is a quote or several so overused, either have crossed the line from rousing to downright cringe real quick.
As opposed to the popular notion that motivational quotes drive positivity in people, the very first point on this Ladders article says it best when discussing the five things positive people never do:
Positive people avoid cheery, sappy slogans that are intended to lift the user’s mood when they repeat them. Post-it notes litter mirrors and computers across the country and while they boost our mood for a while, the results are temporary.
Researchers have discovered that there is a distinct difference between happiness and meaning. When we achieve our goal, we experience happiness for a short period of time. When we achieve a goal freighted with value, we experience joy and contentment that provides meaning for our life.
To elaborate further, the aforementioned article highlights that positive people look at the big picture rather than falling for quick fixes. The author also suggests that joy and contentment constitute genuine happiness. In that sense, those cliche Instagram quotes may be good enough to tap the heart button and nothing else. Unless it’s a quote so epic you can make a billboard out of it — but that’s another story.
5. Is There Such Thing As Being Too Positive?
Unfortunately — and even I was surprised while finding a couple of articles attesting to this.
Lost in the sea of features preaching the benefits of positivity are those who believe there are times when going all sunshine and rainbows can, in fact, harm you. As per this article, a drawback of excessive positive thinking is that it can push you to set unrealistic goals and hence lessen your chances of actually accomplishing them. What’s more, the source argues that being too optimistic can potentially turn into delusion to the point that it detaches you from reality.
Truth be told, bad things happen and not everything is beyond your control. Personally, there’s nothing wrong with feeling sanguine amid troubling times. However, it’s also perfectly okay to anticipate the worst. Pessimism is not too bad after all — as a matter of fact, you are driven to plan ahead or perform significantly better because otherwise, you’ll tumble.
So there you have some views on positivity according to the Internet. Simply speaking, there are upsides and downsides to having a sunny disposition in life. Sometimes it is beneficial while it is not as much in some situations. What’s your take?
