Why optimism is potent, positive thinking is counterproductive and inner turmoil is necessary

Season 2 Episode #4

Pauline Nguyen's solo episode on optimism versus positive thinking

In the face of adversity, I will always choose optimism over positive thinking. Every time. Why? An optimistic brain is far more capable of shifting us forward than a brain that is stuck in fear, blame and excuses.
In this episode, over a warming cup of Tiger Purrr Chai, I explain why positive thinking doesn’t help you as much as you might think. Put simply, it is a bandaid solution and in business settings it can be counterproductive. Trying to maintain only positive visions of the future while pursuing your goals will hinder your progress in achieving them.
We have moments of inner peace, and we have moments of inner turmoil. Inner peace leads to stagnation, while inner turmoil invites us to innovate, create and recalibrate. Inner turmoil inspires us to buckle down and make the strong persistent effort that is necessary to find the solution and realise a feasible goal.
Emotions aren’t bad and melancholy is an essential part of a full life. The question is this - how long will you hold onto that emotion? If you hold on for long enough, it becomes your identity. The spiritual entrepreneur possesses emotional mastery and understands that without darkness, the light would not exist.
Optimism is about grit, calm courage and resilience, sprinkled with a large dose of never-give-up-ology. The optimist always sees the big picture and holds strong belief and faith in a better future.
The optimist knows it is their thoughts and feelings that create their destiny. What you focus on the most will always manifest in your life. It is the law.
Elevated emotions combined with high-level thinking will raise our vibration to meet new levels of infinite possibility.

Topics Discussed

[00:00]	In the face of adversity I choose optimism over positive thinking, every time.
[1:34]	Inner peace stagnates while inner turmoil makes us innovate, create and recalibrate.
[02:08]	Melancholy is an essential part of a full life.
[02:36]	The spiritual entrepreneur possesses emotional mastery and understands that without the darkness the light would not exist.
[03:10]	The very idea that you should focus on positives and ignore negatives is not only delusional but a recipe for disaster.
[03:27]	Optimism is about grit, calm courage and resilience, sprinkled with a large dose of never-give-up-ology.
[04:18]	Persistence is a key characteristic of successful entrepreneurs - it is the ability to pivot for a higher calling.
[05:23]	The optimist knows it is their thoughts and their feelings that create their destiny.
[06:22]	Elevated emotions combined with high-level thinking will raise our vibration to meet new levels of infinite possibility.