Power of Positivity


Some people prioritize working hard to achieve success, with an assumption that this will result in happiness. However, as noted by psychologist Shawn Achor, happiness inspires employees to be more productive. Based on this concept, it is worth investing time in personal and work-related positivity as a pathway to success. Happiness can be increased by decreasing negativity and improving positivity. Please follow these helpful links on happiness to obtain more information:

  1. TED Talk: The Happy Secret to Better Work
  2. The Happy PharmD
  3. Good Think: Learn the Science of Happiness with this course
  4. University of Pennsylvania: Authentic Happiness
  5. Why Accomplishing More Won’t Make you Happier (And What Will) 
  6. Happiness and Success
  7. Why Accomplishing More Won’t Make you Happier (and what to do about it!)
  8. 6 Secrets to a Happier Life
  9. Will Success Make you Happy
  10. Music Relaxation – Top 10 Songs for Reducing Anxiety

Refuting Irrational Thoughts

Negative and irrational self-talk can result in increased stress and emotional disturbances. Irrational thoughts can stem from misperceptions of reality (i.e. when an airplane shakes, the wing will fall off) or perfectionist tendencies (shoulds, oughts, and musts). Please follow these helpful links and books on refuting irrational thoughts to obtain more information:

  1. Davis M, Eshelman ER, McKay M. (2008). The relaxation and stress reduction workbook, 6th ed. Oakland, California: New Harbinger Publications.
  2. Answer your Irrational Thoughts
  3. 6 Ways to Deal with Irrational Thoughts and Anxiety
  4. Cognitive Distortions: Our Irrational Thoughts are Making us Feel Horrible
  5. 3 Ways to Dispute Irrational Beliefs
  6. Refuting Irrational Beliefs: It’s ALL YOUR FAULT!
  7. Stop Irrational Thoughts in 6 Steps
  8. Refuting Irrational Ideas

Creating an Affirmation Statement or Positive Affirmations

An affirmation statement is a statement or proposition that is declared to be true. The purpose of an affirmation statement is to affirm who you truly are, or to affirm who you would like to become, and give you the confidence and motivate you to carry on a day-to-day basis and during difficult times. Please follow these helpful links to creating your very own affirmation statement and/or positive affirmations:


  1. Self-Esteem for Dummies: How to Write Affirmations
  2. The Guided Meditation Site: How to Write Affirmations
  3. WikiHow: How to Write Affirmations
  4. Enlightenment Portal: How to Write Affirmations
  5. Daily Burn 19 Positive Affirmations
  6. Louise Hay Affirmations
  7. Mind Valley 80 Powerful Affirmations
  8. Prolific Living 100 Positive Affirmations
  9. The Huffington Post 35 Affirmations That Will Change Your Life
  10. The Every Girl 50 Positive Affirmations