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Beyond Positive Thinking

Beyond Positive Thinking

A No-Nonsense Formula for Getting the Results You Want
by Robert Anthony 2004 196 pages
4.21
500+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Reality-Based Thinking Over Positive or Negative Thinking

"Positive thinking and negative thinking are both filtered through our belief system. However, truth is based on reality or the understanding how life actually works, instead of how we think it works."

Reality-based thinking is the key to personal growth and success. Unlike positive or negative thinking, which are influenced by our personal beliefs and biases, reality-based thinking focuses on understanding how life truly works. This approach allows us to:

  • See situations objectively, without emotional distortions
  • Make decisions based on facts rather than wishful thinking or pessimism
  • Adapt more easily to changing circumstances

By embracing reality-based thinking, we can overcome self-imposed limitations and tap into our true potential. This mindset helps us navigate life's challenges with clarity and wisdom, leading to more effective problem-solving and personal growth.

2. Understand Your True Self and Accept Your Spiritual Perfection

"The truth about you is that you're not what you have and you're not what you do. You are spiritually whole, complete, and perfect, and your success and happiness in life will be in direct proportion to your ability to accept this truth about yourself."

Separate identity from achievements. Our true self is not defined by our possessions, accomplishments, or failures. Instead, it is a perfect, spiritual essence that remains unchanging despite external circumstances. Understanding this concept allows us to:

  • Develop unconditional self-acceptance
  • Reduce anxiety about performance and outcomes
  • Cultivate inner peace and confidence

By accepting our spiritual perfection, we can approach life's challenges with a sense of inner stability. This understanding frees us from the constant need for external validation and allows us to pursue our goals from a place of self-assurance rather than insecurity.

3. Harness the Power of Self-Talk and Visualization

"Affirmation + Imagery + Emotion = Success"

Master your inner dialogue. The way we talk to ourselves and the images we create in our minds have a profound impact on our beliefs, behaviors, and ultimately, our results. To harness this power:

  • Use positive, present-tense affirmations

  • Visualize your desired outcomes in vivid detail

  • Infuse your affirmations and visualizations with strong emotions

  • Practice daily: Set aside time each day for affirmations and visualization

  • Be consistent: Repeat your affirmations throughout the day

  • Stay persistent: It takes time to reprogram deeply held beliefs

By consistently using these techniques, we can reshape our subconscious beliefs and align them with our conscious desires, paving the way for significant personal and professional growth.

4. Set Clear, Specific Goals and Intentions

"Everything in life is a matter of choice. There are only two things we have no choice about. We cannot avoid these two things no matter how hard we try. The first is that we must die. Death is an absolute certainty, and the second thing we have no choice about is that we must live until we die."

Choose your destiny. Setting clear, specific goals is crucial for personal and professional success. When setting goals:

  • Be precise about what you want to achieve

  • Write down your goals and review them regularly

  • Use the phrase "It is my intention to..." to make your goals more believable

  • Make goals measurable: Include specific numbers or deadlines

  • Break large goals into smaller, manageable steps

  • Align your goals with your values and passions

By setting clear intentions, we give our subconscious mind a target to work towards. This clarity of purpose helps us make better decisions, stay motivated, and overcome obstacles on the path to achieving our goals.

5. Recognize the Universal Mind and Your Connection to It

"This Intelligence is absolutely trustworthy. It will never let us down. It is totally dependable because it works on our thoughts."

Tap into infinite wisdom. The Universal Mind is an all-encompassing intelligence that permeates the universe. Recognizing our connection to this intelligence allows us to:

  • Access unlimited creativity and problem-solving abilities
  • Trust in the natural order and flow of life
  • Develop a sense of purpose and belonging

By aligning ourselves with the Universal Mind, we can tap into a source of wisdom and guidance that goes beyond our individual limitations. This connection can provide us with insights, inspiration, and the confidence to pursue our goals with unwavering determination.

6. Take Responsibility for Your Life and Embrace Change

"Being in charge of your life is being responsible for the quality of your life. It's being responsible for everything that happens to you."

Own your outcomes. Taking full responsibility for our lives empowers us to create the changes we desire. This mindset shift involves:

  • Acknowledging that we create our own reality through our thoughts and actions

  • Letting go of blame and victim mentality

  • Embracing change as an opportunity for growth

  • Identify areas where you've been avoiding responsibility

  • Practice making decisions without seeking others' approval

  • Celebrate small successes to build confidence in your ability to create change

By taking responsibility and embracing change, we become active participants in shaping our lives rather than passive observers. This proactive approach leads to greater personal fulfillment and success.

7. Cultivate Self-Reliance and Emotional Independence

"Getting to know oneself is the key to a successful life. When you learn to love yourself, you won't need to seek love from others. Instead of seeking love, you will be able to be more loving."

Build inner strength. Developing self-reliance and emotional independence is crucial for long-term happiness and success. To cultivate these qualities:

  • Learn to validate yourself rather than seeking external approval

  • Develop a strong sense of self-worth based on your inherent value

  • Practice making decisions based on your own judgment and intuition

  • Set boundaries in relationships to maintain your independence

  • Engage in self-reflection to better understand your needs and values

  • Develop skills and knowledge that increase your self-sufficiency

By becoming emotionally self-reliant, we free ourselves from the need for constant external validation and create a solid foundation for healthy relationships and personal growth.

8. Master the Five R's: Relax, Recognize, Realize, Reason, and Release

"The five R's—Relax, Recognize, Realize, Reason, and Release—might be compared to a golf swing. To the amateur the swing appears to be one continuous movement, but it's actually a combination of many perfectly coordinated steps."

Apply the five-step process. The Five R's provide a structured approach to personal growth and problem-solving:

  1. Relax: Calm your mind and body to prepare for change
  2. Recognize: Acknowledge the Universal Mind and its power
  3. Realize: Understand your connection to the Universal Mind
  4. Reason: Clarify your goals and desired outcomes
  5. Release: Let go of attachments and trust the process
  • Practice each step individually to master the technique
  • Apply the Five R's to both small daily challenges and major life decisions
  • Use this process regularly to reinforce positive habits and beliefs

By consistently applying the Five R's, we can tap into our inner wisdom, make better decisions, and create lasting positive changes in our lives.

9. Overcome Fear and Take Action to Produce Results

"The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is how they handle change. Successful people have anxiety too, but they don't get immobilized. Unsuccessful people let their anxiety immobilize them."

Action conquers fear. To achieve success, we must learn to act despite our fears and uncertainties. Strategies for overcoming fear include:

  • Recognizing that fear is a natural part of growth and change

  • Reframing anxiety as excitement about new possibilities

  • Taking small, consistent actions towards our goals

  • Break large tasks into smaller, less intimidating steps

  • Celebrate each action taken, regardless of the outcome

  • Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage risk-taking

By consistently taking action in the face of fear, we build confidence, gain valuable experience, and move closer to our goals. Remember that producing results is the key to experiencing our own power and potential.

10. Learn from Mistakes and Make Continuous Corrections

"Failure, for the most part, is not the result of our lack of ability, but a product of our reluctance to correctly observe, evaluate, and act on the danger signs of a given situation—before that situation gets out of control."

Embrace the learning process. Mistakes and failures are inevitable parts of growth and success. To make the most of these experiences:

  • View mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement

  • Regularly evaluate your progress and make necessary adjustments

  • Develop the habit of quick course corrections rather than waiting for crises

  • Keep a "lessons learned" journal to track insights from mistakes

  • Share your experiences with others to gain different perspectives

  • Set aside time for regular self-reflection and course correction

By embracing mistakes and making continuous corrections, we can accelerate our personal and professional growth. This approach allows us to stay flexible, adapt to changing circumstances, and ultimately achieve greater success in all areas of life.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "Beyond Positive Thinking" about?

  • Author and Purpose: "Beyond Positive Thinking" by Dr. Robert Anthony is a self-help book that offers a practical formula for achieving desired results in life.
  • Core Concept: The book goes beyond traditional positive thinking by focusing on reality-based thinking, which aligns with universal laws and principles.
  • Methodology: It provides a no-nonsense approach to creating lasting change by understanding and applying psychological and spiritual principles.
  • Target Audience: It's aimed at readers who are serious about making permanent changes in their lives rather than seeking temporary motivation.

Why should I read "Beyond Positive Thinking"?

  • Practical Approach: The book offers actionable steps and techniques that can be applied immediately to improve various aspects of life.
  • Proven Principles: It is based on psychological and spiritual principles that have been proven to work over time.
  • Lasting Change: Unlike many self-help books, it focuses on creating permanent change rather than temporary motivation.
  • Comprehensive Guide: It covers a wide range of topics, from financial desires to overcoming obstacles, making it a comprehensive guide for personal development.

What are the key takeaways of "Beyond Positive Thinking"?

  • Reality-Based Thinking: Understand the difference between positive, negative, and reality-based thinking to align with universal laws.
  • Self-Image and Beliefs: Your self-image and beliefs shape your reality; changing them can change your life.
  • Law of Attraction: Like attracts like; focus on what you want to attract it into your life.
  • Action and Responsibility: Take responsibility for your life and take action to create the results you desire.

What is the "Law of Attraction" as explained in "Beyond Positive Thinking"?

  • Basic Principle: The Law of Attraction states that like attracts like, meaning your thoughts and feelings attract similar experiences.
  • Impartial and Impersonal: It operates with mathematical exactitude, unaffected by personal circumstances or beliefs.
  • Focus and Attraction: Whatever you focus on, whether positive or negative, you attract more of into your life.
  • Conscious Creation: By consciously choosing your thoughts and beliefs, you can attract the experiences you desire.

How does Dr. Robert Anthony define "Reality-Based Thinking"?

  • Beyond Positive and Negative: Reality-based thinking goes beyond positive and negative thinking by aligning with the natural laws of the universe.
  • Universal Laws: These laws are unchangeable and work for everyone, everywhere, every time, regardless of personal circumstances.
  • Understanding and Cooperation: Understanding these laws and cooperating with them can lead to a magnificent life.
  • Cause and Effect: The law of Cause and Effect is central, where beliefs create results, and understanding this can change your life.

What are the techniques for imprinting in "Beyond Positive Thinking"?

  • Three-Step Process: Imprinting involves affirming your goal, picturing the end result, and feeling the emotion of accomplishment.
  • Intention Statements: Use intention statements in the present tense to direct your subconscious mind toward your goals.
  • Visualization: Picture the end result vividly to displace old self-images with new, empowering ones.
  • Emotional Involvement: Emotion is crucial; the more emotion you put into your visualization, the faster it will manifest.

What does Dr. Robert Anthony say about self-image in "Beyond Positive Thinking"?

  • Self-Image Controls Performance: Your self-image is the subconscious picture that controls how you think and perform.
  • Change Through Self-Talk: Use positive self-talk and visualization to change your self-image and improve performance.
  • Self-Reinforcing Cycle: Your self-image creates a cycle where your beliefs reinforce your actions, and vice versa.
  • Beliefs and Limitations: Your beliefs, whether true or not, become your limitations if you accept them as true.

How does "Beyond Positive Thinking" address financial desires?

  • Law of Attraction in Finance: Apply the Law of Attraction to focus on wealth and abundance rather than scarcity and lack.
  • Clearing Beliefs: Clear out old beliefs about money that hold you back and affirm new, empowering beliefs.
  • Seed Money Concept: Use the concept of seed money to plant financial seeds with the expectation of a tenfold return.
  • Gratitude and Circulation: Practice gratitude for what you have and circulate money to increase its flow into your life.

What are the "Five Words That Create Results" in "Beyond Positive Thinking"?

  • Relax: Begin by relaxing your mind and body to prepare for change.
  • Recognize: Recognize the existence of a Universal Mind that contains all power and wisdom.
  • Realize: Realize that you are one with this Universal Mind and share its creative qualities.
  • Reason: Have a reason or purpose for your creative endeavors and present it to your subconscious.
  • Release: Release your desires to the Universal Mind and trust the process of creation.

What does Dr. Robert Anthony mean by "Give Up Hope and Take Action"?

  • Hope as Illusion: Hope is seen as an illusion that keeps you from taking responsibility and action.
  • Action Over Hope: Instead of hoping for change, take decisive action to create the results you desire.
  • Responsibility: Accept responsibility for your life and stop waiting for external factors to change your circumstances.
  • Empowerment: By giving up hope and taking action, you empower yourself to create the life you want.

What are the best quotes from "Beyond Positive Thinking" and what do they mean?

  • "Believing is seeing." This quote emphasizes that belief precedes manifestation; you must believe in your goals to see them realized.
  • "You are always 'right'." This highlights the power of the subconscious mind to prove your conscious beliefs, whether positive or negative.
  • "The only limitation is in our thinking." It underscores the idea that your thoughts and beliefs are the only true limitations to what you can achieve.
  • "Life is a journey, not a destination." This reminds readers to enjoy the process of life rather than focusing solely on end goals.

How does "Beyond Positive Thinking" suggest overcoming obstacles to happiness?

  • Present Moment Awareness: Focus on the present moment as the point of power where you can exercise full control.
  • Inner and Outer Purpose: Understand the difference between your inner purpose (living in the now) and outer purpose (achieving goals).
  • Joy and Excitement: Follow what excites you in the present moment to experience true joy and creativity.
  • Balance: Maintain a balance between living in the present and planning for the future to achieve lasting happiness.

Review Summary

4.21 out of 5
Average of 500+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Beyond Positive Thinking explores the power of thoughts and self-talk in shaping one's life. Readers praise its transformative potential, citing improved mindsets and goal achievement. Many consider it a life-changing book, appreciating its practical approach to positive thinking and personal growth. While some criticize its metaphysical elements, most find value in its teachings on belief, self-awareness, and overcoming limitations. The book emphasizes taking action, embracing change, and cultivating a positive mindset to create desired outcomes. Overall, it's highly recommended for those seeking personal development and success.

Your rating:

About the Author

Dr. Robert Anthony is a renowned expert in mind power development with over 30 years of experience. He holds a doctorate in psychology, is certified in clinical hypnosis, and has a master certification in NLP. Anthony has authored several bestselling books, including "Beyond Positive Thinking," which have sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His audio training programs, such as "The Secret of Deliberate Creation," are highly popular in the personal development field. Anthony has consulted for various individuals, including celebrities, and was acknowledged as the inspiration behind "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. He currently resides in Melbourne, Australia.

Other books by Robert Anthony

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