The Art of Positive Thinking – An Unexpected Reminder

I’m sure you’ve heard about how implementing the art of positive thinking is the key to success. But that seems so cliché. That’s why we often forget how important the art of positive thinking is – until someone in our life demonstrates a reminder.

I put together a group journey on the Portuguese route of the Camino de Santiago. (You can get details here.) This big event will happen in June of 2019 (15 months from now), but people started registering last fall so that they could 1) make sure that they secure a spot and 2) be registered in time to start the pre-Camino virtual seminar which starts in June of 2018. (We’re starting the virtual guidance one year ahead of our trip so that everyone learns how to be more efficient at work, prepare for a getaway, and take an actual vacation without being stressed about it or needing to stay connected the whole time.)

When I first told my dad last summer about my Camino de Santiago plans, he expressed interest. Knowing that he’s 80 years old and given that he has typical 80-year-old health issues and slow downs, I told him that was great, but I didn’t exactly encourage it. I didn’t want him to feel pressured to try to make a big trip like this.

Whenever anyone pays their deposit for our seminar and journey, I receive an email notice from Fresco Tours (the company that I teamed up with to put together this adventure). One morning, I received a notice that my dad paid his deposit.

He will be 82 at the time we make The Walk.

I emailed him a note to welcome him aboard:

“Fresco Tours let me know that you paid your deposit. Exciting! We’ll all be breaking in shoes in 2019!”

Here was his response:

“I decided to be an optimist.”

He could spend his time worrying about everything that might go wrong and get in the way of him not only traveling overseas but walking 118 km on paths in foreign countries. He could spend his time thinking of all of the possible bad things that could happen.

But no.

He decided that he’s going to focus on the art of positive thinking.

During my client sessions, keynotes and workshops, I always emphasize the importance of mind management and the power of positivity. My dad provided a great reminder of how important that art of positive thinking is. Focus on what can be done, instead of imagining all of the possible obstacles.

“I decided to be an optimist.”

I hope you do, too.

For more info about the art of positive thinking – and other productivity tools and tips to improve your efficiency – from time management motivational speaker Helene Segura, click here.