PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACHIEVEMENTS
According to a fashionable theory, all that we have to do to achieve what we want, is to desire it ardently. That’s the secret! Supposedly, we are sending messages to the universe so that it will arrange things in a way that fulfills our desires. This ‘theory’ claims to be based on quantum physics.
The idea is that if a person has a positive attitude and is convinced that he or she will achieve what he or she proposes, the facts are likely to corroborate that expectation; on the other hand, if the person is fearful, moody and thinks that the desired goal will not be reached, the facts will also confirm that negative idea.
Some experimental psychologists, such as Bandura (1987), attach great importance to the expectation with which a task is faced, defining the expectation of effectiveness as “the conviction that we can successfully execute the behavior required to produce the desired consequences.”
This expectation is fed by the observation, monitoring and development of our abilities, considering these the result of our own efforts, and not the action of external agents.
When we have high expectations of effectiveness in carrying out a certain task, we tend to prefer the task, to take pleasure in it and to persevere in its execution, and that expectation becomes stronger and stronger. Therefore, according to Bandura, the sequence: behavior (“I do this”), → thought (“I was and am able to do it”) and → feeling (“I like to do this”), is what determines orientation, likability, perseverance and the probability of success in an increasing virtuous circle.
Yes, a person’s thoughts are involved, but not supported by the stars, but by systematic behavior and positive emotion, all in close interaction.
In contrast, the theory we mentioned earlier indicates that The Secret lies in thinking positively, but does not tell us how to do it. Supposedly, it would entail clearly identifying what we want and desiring it strongly, with determination. The assumption is that whatever occurs to you, good or bad, will depend solely and exclusively on how you think
A simple example could clarify the difference I want to point out. Suppose three adolescents have prepared for a math test and stll have certain subject matter to revise, and are invited to a party the night before the test.
The first one thinks, “I’m not going to miss that party. I’m not good at math and I’m going to fail the test anyway, so tonight I’ll enjoy myself as much as I can.” This person has low expectations of effectiveness regarding mathematics and, of course, his prophecy is fulfilled.
The second is a fan of the theory of ‘psychological quantum physics’ and says to himself: “I’m not going to miss that party, I’ll enjoy it until dawn and tomorrow I’ll go to the exam thinking positively; I’m sure I’ll pass it.” Run-down, hung-over and lacking some information, it is likely that the “universe will not please him“.
The third thinks: “It’s a real shame to miss that party; there will be others!, and I know that when I prepare well and get enough sleep the night before the exam, I have high chances of doing well. I will review those last points, which are not many, and then go to bed.” As you are probably thinking, dear reader, this student will pass, not because the galaxies wanted it, but because he wanted it himself.
I hope that these arguments and examples serve to demonstrate that positive thinking helps, yes, but only when it is accompanied by the functional behavior required for the achievement of what we propose.
More details about this topic can be found in my book: WHAT DO I DO NOW? NO ONE TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE A MOM! You can also consult in this same blog: Is a positive thought enough? and Is it better for my child to be competitive?
More information can be found, as well, by visiting Facebook Urquia Larralde (psykia), Twitter psykia20 and Instagram psykia20. I appreciate any observations, questions, suggestions or criticisms you want to make through psykia20@gmail.com. Your comments will be welcome and I will gladly reply.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE:
Albert Bandura (1987): Pensamiento y acción. Fundamentos sociales, Martínez Roca, Barcelona, España.
