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Positivity Might Not Be Your Best Approach

How Toxic Positivity is killing in the long run

While it seems a good approach to confront problems with positivity — for instance, by calling problems not problems, but “challenges” — research shows it has a very negative downside in the long run. Find out why…

We all have an inner mood baseline. We will be happier at times, sadder at others, but in general, we return to a certain baseline level. The baseline level will differ from person to person. Some are more inclined to be gloomy while others always see the positive side of things. Besides the energy-draining efforts to pull someone from their baseline, it also doesn’t make sense to always try and be positive.

As grief experts tell us, it’s important for us to acknowledge loss or failure. It’s important to not force yourself away from the pain you actually feel deep inside. If you try, your true emotions will simmer unconsciously and after a while, you will feel exhausted. The unattended pain of loss or failure might turn into long-lasting suffering. Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional.

— Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional —

Instead, acknowledging and exploring your pain will eventually lead you back to your baseline. You don’t need…