Episode Overview:

In this episode, Guy and Michelle explore the concept of "accurate thinking with a positive bent" rather than just positive thinking, sparked by insights from Dr. Daniel Amen's interview on The Diary of a CEO podcast.

Key Discussion Points:

- The evolution of positive thinking from the 70s/80s self-help movement to present day

- Scientific evidence of how negative thoughts physically affect brain structure

- The connection between negative thinking and athletic performance/coordination

- Why traditional positive thinking sometimes faces resistance

- The power of accurate thinking with a positive bent

Notable Research Discussion:

Guy shares fascinating research from Dr. Daniel Amen about brain scans showing physical changes when someone engages in negative self-talk, particularly affecting:

- Left temporal lobe

- Left frontal lobe

- Cerebellum (potentially explaining coordination issues during negative states)

Practical Applications:

- How to improve memory by changing negative self-talk

- The importance of believable, accurate statements rather than unrealistic positive affirmations

- Ways to observe and manage thoughts through meditation

- The value of surrounding yourself with supportive people

Key Quote:

"It's not positive thinking. It's accurate thinking with a positive bent." - Dr. Daniel Amen

Example of Accurate Thinking vs. Positive Thinking:

Instead of saying "I'm bad at remembering names" or unrealistically claiming "I'm brilliant at names," try:

"I used to struggle with names, but I'm getting better because I'm practicing and using techniques."

Mentioned in this Episode:

- The Diary of a CEO podcast with Stephen Bartlett

- Dr. Daniel Amen's brain research

- The Power of Appreciation by Noelle Nelson

- Eckhart Tolle's cloud metaphor for thoughts

The episode emphasises the importance of combining accuracy with optimism when working on self-improvement, rather than relying on unrealistic positive affirmations.