Critical Positivity

I’m an optimistic and positive person. Recently, I read an article about the power that positive thinking can have not only in helping a person complete a goal, but also the physical toll positivity can have on someone. For example, in an article by Watkins and Cooperrider, I learned that, “[patients] who approached the operation with a feeling that the doctor was best, the medical techniques proven safe, and their chances of being well again were excellent” (Watkins & Cooperrider 2002, p. 3).  

I think that having a positive attitude can truly change your outlook on life. However, does that come at the expense of healthy skepticism? In the medical example provided above, the study doesn’t take into account the number of times that a patient may have “listened to their gut",” done extra research, and found that the doctor actually WASN’T as experienced as they thought.

Positivity needs to be partnered with reality. Having blind positivity can force you to overlook opportunities for critical examination. It can lull you into a sense of rainbows and butterflies.

As a coach, I want to make sure that we’re ALWAYS moving forward with positivity. But, we should think about a way forward comprehensively and instead of having blind positivity. In a previous post, I discussed how ideation and brainstorming can help identify a way forward…but it could also help you identify the specific pieces of a change that are most useful and positive. You’ll be able to move forward grounded in reality!

Watkins, J. M., & Cooperrider, D. (2000). Appreciative inquiry: A transformative paradigm. OD Practitioner Journal, 32(1), 6-12.