Embrace the Power of “Possible Thinking”

If you listen to most self-help gurus, they will tell you that positive thinking is essential to finding happiness. I’ve always been somewhat skeptical of this advice. After all, sometimes it feels like we need action more than optimism to solve our problems. Do you feel the same way?

I recently came across an author who summarizes this perspective perfectly. According to Dr. Chansky, we need “possible thinking” more than we need “positive thinking.” According to this author:

When we are stuck with negative thinking, we feel out of options, so to exit out of that we need to be reminded of all the options we do have.

I completely agree with Dr. Chansky and I would even go a step further. I would argue that dealing with negativity requires possible thinking combined with a desire to take action. So, the next time that you are feeling stressed out, why not write down your options and pick one to take action on right away? I promise that this approach will do more to improve your mood – and your life – than focusing on positive thinking.

Do you agree with Dr. Chansky that “possible thinking” is as important as “positive thinking” when it comes to finding happiness? Please join the conversation below.