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♠
“The idea behind affirmations is that you simply write down your goals 15 times a day and somehow, as if by magic, coincidences start to build until you achieve your objective against all odds.”
-- Scott Adams, The Dilbert Blog
Every once in a while, I come across one of these arguments that seductively argue we make our own reality, one variation or another on the power of positive thinking. Mr. Adams gives us another one, and he gives some discussion on possible explanations, including reasonable ones such as whether it makes people more watchful for opportunities.
Monk cannot resist wondering a little when he comes upon these. Could it really just be a matter of positive thinking and just not being so negative and fatalistic? Is he holding himself back merely by the chains and whips of his own defeatist thinking?
He is able to shake off these notions, repenting that he should have some susceptibility to flimflam. Affirmation techniques might help some unsure, diffident types realize their potential, but others would need full-fledged miracles, or a pact with the Devil. I cannot imagine that thinking, writing, and believing "I am going to become a world famous author and bang dreamgirl strippers at will" will make it so. Or is that the problem?
xXx
“The idea behind affirmations is that you simply write down your goals 15 times a day and somehow, as if by magic, coincidences start to build until you achieve your objective against all odds.”
-- Scott Adams, The Dilbert Blog
Every once in a while, I come across one of these arguments that seductively argue we make our own reality, one variation or another on the power of positive thinking. Mr. Adams gives us another one, and he gives some discussion on possible explanations, including reasonable ones such as whether it makes people more watchful for opportunities.
Monk cannot resist wondering a little when he comes upon these. Could it really just be a matter of positive thinking and just not being so negative and fatalistic? Is he holding himself back merely by the chains and whips of his own defeatist thinking?
He is able to shake off these notions, repenting that he should have some susceptibility to flimflam. Affirmation techniques might help some unsure, diffident types realize their potential, but others would need full-fledged miracles, or a pact with the Devil. I cannot imagine that thinking, writing, and believing "I am going to become a world famous author and bang dreamgirl strippers at will" will make it so. Or is that the problem?
