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How is Positivity Not the Same as Positive Thinking?

Because genuine, non-toxic positivity isn’t just thought.

Murray "MJ" Blehart
6 min readFeb 6, 2023
Positive thinking is not positivity
Photo by Julia Caesar on Unsplash

In my quest to better myself and live my life as fully as possible. I’ve listened to and read numerous self-help, empowerment, manifestation, and similar books, audiobooks, podcasts, and the like.

I’ve read, analyzed, and even absorbed a wide range of information — both useful and less than useful. My studies have included the spiritual, philosophical, psychological, educational, scientific, and everything in between.

A key trope I’ve seen over and over again in the non-scientific realm is positive thinking. Again and again, they tell you that if you put enough positive thought out into the Universe, you can manifest anything your heart desires.

The notion that thought can be used to control the universe nearly always begins with positive thinking. Whether it’s 1952’s The Power of Positive Thinking by Normal Vincent Peale, the 1937 Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, or Rhonda Byrne’s 2006 film and book sensation The Secret — the message is the same. Positive thinking will manifest incredible results into your life.

Some dismiss all of these as hokum. Bullshit. Grade-A snake oil. Having read 2 of these, I believe that they have merit to a degree — but it…

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Murray "MJ" Blehart
Murray "MJ" Blehart

Written by Murray "MJ" Blehart

I explore mindfulness, positivity, philosophy, & conscious reality creation. I love to help & inspire. Also, I write sci-fi/fantasy. http://mjblehart.com

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