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Motivation Mondays: Stinking Thinking #mondaymotivation

29/02/2016
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“We all need a daily checkup from the neck up to avoid stinking thinking, which ultimately leads to hardening of the attitudes.” Zig Ziglar

Motivation Mondays: Stinking Thinking

Motivation Mondays: Stinking Thinking


Zig Ziglar – Attitude Makes All The Difference

If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don’t be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning ‘Good morning’ at total strangers. Maya Angelou
Every day you must unlearn the ways that hold you back. You must rid yourself of negativity, so you can learn to fly. Leon Brown
No Stinking Thinking: The greatest of all mistakes is to do nothing because you think you can only do a little. Zig Ziglar

Are you in the habit of treating your problems as epic failures? Do you know what it’s called? Yes, it is called “Stinkin Thinkin.” The Phrase was used in the 1990 bestseller The Feeling Good Handbook, by David D. Burns, M.D., in which Dr. Burns made us realize that whenever the first thought or typical daily thoughts that pop into our heads are derisive, demeaning, and negative thoughts about ourselves, we are practicing Stinking Thinking/Irrational Thinking: “Our thoughts have taken on an unhealthy attitude, one that is working against us instead of for us.”  The much-loved, and one of my all-time favorite motivational speakers, Zig Ziglar, took the term worldwide and used it in some of his presentations (check out the videos above and below).

We all go through challenging times in our lives, and hypercritical, negative backtalk can become a routine way we chide ourselves for not living up to some expected norm. The truth is, we all fail at something, and our failures do not have to define our entire existence. I believe that when we fall/fail, it is an opportunity to look at our actions and thinking and do something about it. Wallowing in self-pity will only give us a temporary out, and then we have to sit up and face reality. Changing our patterns is crucial if we want to improve our situation; our thinking must change too. Even though today is a leap year, we still have to plan our day and complete our tasks… Can you imagine if we waited 4 years to finish projects? That would be a clear example of ST/Stinking Thinking.

A STORY: The Fishermen’s Wives

Once, three fishermen’s wives enjoyed spending time at the fish market selling the catch their husbands brought in every day. The three wives loved to sit and complain about their stinking lives, and about how they had nothing to do but go to the fish market every day to sell fish to hobs and snobs who barely acknowledged their existence. You see, they were miserable, whiny ladies, and we know that misery loves company. One day, an elegant lady appeared at the market. She was warm and friendly, spoke nicely to the three wives, and thanked them profusely for their service. The  3 women were taken aback because this was not the typical way the customers treated them. Before the lady left with her huge purchase of fish, the women, out of curiosity, asked her what she did for a living.

“I run a Bed and Breakfast for weary travelers, and I always make sure they get the freshest food,” said Lady M

The lady’s eyes lit up as they wondered aloud what it must be like to spend a night in a B&B.

“Oh, I put fresh flowers on the mantle, draw warm baths for my guests, and feed them freshly made meals. Would you like to spend a night?” Lady M asked the 3 ladies.

“Oh YES!” The 3 fishermen’s wives shouted in unison.

A date was set, and that day, the 3 women headed over to the B&B. As promised, they were welcomed warmly, pampered, and fed the freshest foods. They enjoyed the best Lady M had to offer, and when they were exhausted at the end of the evening, they retired to a beautiful suite with fresh flowers and scented sheets. They settled in for the night, but one woman started to toss and turn, and soon the other two joined her. A conversation ensued.

“Those flowers smell too sweet. They are making me sick!” said one woman

“The lavender on the sheets is giving me a headache!” added another

“Oh, the softness of the pillows and blankets is making me feel bad … a third chimed in.

As the whining escalated, they all agreed this lifestyle was not for them. They agreed to sneak into the kitchen and look for some fresh fish, and off they went. Soon they found containers of fresh fish and, gathering them together, headed back to the room, where they strewed the fish all over the suite. Soon the whole suite stank of warm and rotting fish.

“Ha!” one of the three wives said, as they settled in again for the night. “Stinky fish is perfect… that is exactly what we want!” They fell fast asleep as the pungent aroma spread through the B&B, waking up all the other guests, who quickly gathered their things and fled the establishment. Needless to say, once the lady owner found out the source of the stench, the 3 wives were never invited back again. Is this your approach to life and opportunities… stinking thinking!?

 

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein

Motivation Mondays: Stinking Thinking

Motivation Mondays: Stinking Thinking


Dr. Wayne Dyer: Your Thoughts Are Creating Your Reality (Law of Attraction)

People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily. Zig Ziglar
And most people would say they want change in their lives. They want circumstances to change, people to change, the world to change… And it seems it rarely occurs to us that we need to change. Joyce Meyer
Drag your thoughts away from your troubles… by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it. Mark Twain

What are you going to do next? In  The Feeling Good Handbook, Dr. Burns identified 10 types of Stinking Thinking/Irrational thinking that we often practice without stopping to consider the negative impact those thoughts have on our general Motivation, our drive to succeed, and our desire to change. Let’s take a look:
1. All-or-nothing thinking – You tend to see everything through a narrow lens that has no room for flexibility or change.
2. Over-generalization – Every bad moment becomes grounds for seeing your life as over, with no solutions to consider
3. Mental Filter – You fixate on minutiae after one negative event and let it pull you down.
4. Discounting the positive –  You brush off the good things in your life as irrelevant because they don’t count in comparison to all the bad.
5. Jumping to conclusions –  You are always assuming that nothing good can come of a situation.

Is this You? It’s time to develop a new perspective. Look at the worksheet below and use the prompts to help you rethink your negative position. Come back soon for the remaining 5 points below. (Updated. See the rest in the next paragraph)

Three Step Worksheet: Resolving to change our thinking
Motivation Mondays details are below. Join in! The themes for February and March 2016 are:

02/01 – VALENTINE’S DAY–
02/08 – CHINESE NEW YEAR –
02/15 – PRESIDENTS’ DAY – third Monday of the month –
02/22 – PAIN –
02/29 – LEAP YEAR –

03/07 – 8 International Women’s Day –
03/14 – 13 Daylight Saving Begins at 2:00 a.m., 15 Ides of March, 17 St. Patrick’s Day –
03/21 – 19 International Earth Hour –  20 International Day Of Happiness, Palm Sunday, Spring (Vernal) Equinox –
03/28 – 23 Purim begins at sundown, Yin and Yang, 25 Good Friday, 27 Easter Sunday

Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2016?

PostaDayPostaWeekCollage1
– Join the Daily Post Post-a-day or Post-a-week Challenge.

— Join the BlogHer Writing Lab

 

More Below!

“Don’t keep allowing the same things to upset you. Life’s too short to live that way.” Joel Osteen

Motivation Mondays: Stinking Thinking

Motivation Mondays: Stinking Thinking


Zig Ziglar – The Law Of Attraction: Believe In Yourself

You have to learn to say no without feeling guilty. Setting boundaries is healthy. You need to learn to respect and take care of yourself. Anon
A great attitude becomes a great mood. A great mood becomes a great day. A great day becomes a great year. A great year becomes a great life. Anon
Stop thinking too much, It’s alright not to know the answers; they will come to you when you least expect it. Anon

Every day, we have many opportunities to choose things that lift us and set aside narrow-minded self-talk that brings us down. Yes, we are all flawed, and we experience disappointments and our share of failed attempts at X, but don’t stay there. Getting up and moving forward is a dynamic way to cultivate success tools. Let’s look at the remaining five types of stinking thinking:
6. Magnification – You tend to exaggerate problems; I call it the old habit of building mountains out of molehills.
7. Emotional Reasoning – You create justifications for all the things you believe will go wrong because you belong to the school of gloom and doom.
8. “Should” statements – You are stuck on shoulda/woulda/coulda with little room for flexibility and possibility. Let them go!
9. Labeling  – You endlessly ascribe negative labels to yourself, your actions, and those you interact with. Labels box us in and keep us stuck in old tapes that need erasing.
10. Personalization and Blame –  You play the guilt-tripping and blame game. If you tend to see yourself in the worst light when things happen, or you always blame others for your misery, you are stuck in #10.

What to do? Live your life and be more compassionate with yourself and others. Perfection isn’t a requirement to be alive. Skip the semantics about whether you fail up or fall. Just enjoy the life you have with gratitude and a willingness to put circumstances in a perspective that is neither harsh nor extreme. An acronym I use for SUCCESS is: Stand Up, Cultivate, Creative Effort to Stimulate Success. If we learn nothing else from this, let’s agree to learn that we become what we believe. Let’s all make an effort to shift gears and be grateful for the good in our lives… Trust me, the shift will lift your spirit too.

 

Source: Zen Antics. All stories via Goodweb.cn

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Positive Motivation Tip: Your thoughts have a big impact on your results. Monitor your stinkin thinkin with a positive attitude.

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wants to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge, or post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivational word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment, and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays. Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to complement the page. It’s another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, useWordPress’’ integrated tool on your blog, or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM

Related Posts

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Stories via Zen Stories on Goodweb.cn   Quotes via BrainyQuotes, All Photos: Thought Bubble, Smell of Tammany, Category: Smell, via Wikipedia

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

from → Global & National Events, Motivation Mondays, Positive Advice, Posts & Photos 2016, StoryTelling, TIPS & LISTS
233 Comments leave one →
  1. Masshole Mommy permalink
    29/02/2016 2:55 pm

    Yes, I definitely want to be more creative this year. I am certainly trying my best.

    Reply
  2. Genevieve Petrillo permalink
    29/02/2016 3:59 pm

    “Stinkin’ thinkin’ – Funny way of saying it, but that’s just exactly what it is!

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      01/03/2016 2:20 pm

      Yes, it is a catchy and funny phrase and yet hits the mark wwhere we all need it. We all have our ST days and this is a reminder for us all… TY! 😆

      Reply
  3. Liz Mays permalink
    29/02/2016 6:09 pm

    I have the tendency to let little setbacks halt my progress for way too long. This is a very helpful post!

    Reply
  4. jshallow01 permalink
    29/02/2016 7:17 pm

    I had some stinkin thinkin that I let come out my mouth last week. I finally apologized about those words as they were not how I want people to view me.
    _Jessica

    Reply
  5. Traveling Blogger permalink
    29/02/2016 7:43 pm

    I have never heard of this phrase! I am definitely one to treat even my smallest failures like life shattering events. I need to be more positive and focus on learning instead of failing.

    Reply
  6. top5life permalink
    29/02/2016 7:52 pm

    Got to know about a unique topic, Stinking Thinking. Great concept. The way it is explained is commendable.

    Reply
  7. rochkirstin permalink
    29/02/2016 8:37 pm

    I have listened to Zig Ziglar’s podcasts some years back and his words have inspired and encouraged me to think positively. Our thoughts impact a huge part of our life and everyday actions. The Feeling Good Handbook sounds like a good read.

    Reply
  8. Carol Cassara (@ccassara) permalink
    29/02/2016 8:49 pm

    I haven’t thought about Zig Ziglar inso long, but he was quite the motivational guru back in the day.

    Reply
  9. tara pittman permalink
    29/02/2016 9:03 pm

    I need to correct my problems and stop stinking.

    Reply
  10. hautebeautyguide permalink
    29/02/2016 9:41 pm

    Perfect timing. I was totally stuck in “stinkin thinkin” today! I definitely needed this bit of motivation!

    Reply
  11. Michelle Gwynn Jones permalink
    29/02/2016 10:01 pm

    Overgeneralization – I think everyone knows someone this describes. For me, its my friend “N” Great info. Thank you.

    Reply
  12. ceemee permalink
    29/02/2016 10:29 pm

    This post is a great reminder to always think of the positive things. Life is too short to dwell on worries and negativity. I need to change my thinking to always be motivated and happy. Thanks for this!

    Reply
  13. Lucid Gypsy permalink
    29/02/2016 10:56 pm

    I love your motivation Mondays – that I read with my Tuesday morning coffee!

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      01/03/2016 1:36 pm

      Thank you Gilly! <3 I just added the remaining 5 types of stinking thinking. I love it because these are very human qualities that we've all experienced in one form or anther. No one is immune and that is fine as long as we don't stay stuck. Now i need my afternoon coffee! 😉

      Reply
  14. Maria Teresa Figuerres permalink
    29/02/2016 11:04 pm

    Stinking thinking doesn’t do anything good at all. Seeing the negative in everything will not make us happy, so we should start doing the reverse.

    Reply
  15. Ana De-Jesus permalink
    29/02/2016 11:42 pm

    You always have the best quotes I swear! I find it hard to say no without feeling guilty but I know it is for the best sometimes.

    Reply
  16. Aziel Morte permalink
    01/03/2016 12:17 am

    Such a great message, It need more effort for the comfortable life.

    Reply
  17. Pal Raine permalink
    01/03/2016 1:20 am

    …The past is over and gone. And the future is not guaranteed….

    This phrase really strike me. Our future is not guaranteed that we will live for a happy life and/or miserable life. All you have to do is go with the flow and always think what is best for you.

    Forget the past. Live a life with strength and more convictions.

    Reply
  18. Parpar de Real permalink
    01/03/2016 1:31 am

    I really love this post and this quotes A great year becomes a great life

    Reply
  19. Nicole Haas Etolen permalink
    01/03/2016 1:34 am

    Such a wonderful post, I agree with you, our thoughts has an impact what we do.

    Reply
  20. RonRon permalink
    01/03/2016 3:20 am

    A truly great monday read for me. Thanks for this.

    Reply
  21. Valerie robInson permalink
    01/03/2016 3:40 am

    So much inspiration and gems within this post. Great read

    Reply
  22. Lexie Lane permalink
    01/03/2016 3:49 am

    This is really interesting. Enjoyed reading it. Glad you shared it.

    Reply
  23. 조이 Czjai (@RebelSweetHrt) permalink
    01/03/2016 5:20 am

    Very enlightening. Sharing this on my wall. 🙂

    Reply
  24. Claire Algarme permalink
    01/03/2016 6:09 am

    The story of the 3 wives is funny but true. And I like this quote mentioned here in your post – “You have to learn to say no without feeling guilty. Setting boundaries is healthy. You need to learn to respect and take care of yourself.” Anon

    Reply
  25. Krystle Chaney Cook permalink
    01/03/2016 6:42 am

    I could benefit from a new perspective. Especially when it comes to my anxiety problem. I start thinking too much and then it stops me from doing things.

    Reply
  26. milenabarrett permalink
    01/03/2016 7:06 am

    Attitude does make all the difference. I try to look on the good side.

    Reply
  27. Rosey permalink
    01/03/2016 7:34 am

    We’ve all been victim to stinking thinking at one point or another. It’s awesome though when you realize it, catch it and throw it back in the depths of the ocean where it belongs. 🙂

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      01/03/2016 1:30 pm

      Well said Rosey! We’ve all been there and that is what makes us human; recognizing the perfection in our imperfections. <3

      Reply
  28. Nova permalink
    01/03/2016 8:24 am

    I did not know that it will be called stinking thinking and it does becomes humorous.

    Reply
  29. Marianne permalink
    01/03/2016 6:37 am

    Love the idea of collaboration going on here. Plus who doesn’t need a little extra motivation on Mondays.

    Reply
  30. Ana Fernandez permalink
    01/03/2016 10:08 am

    This kind of thinking can take you down easily that is why being positive is the best way to find out the solutions to your problems!

    Reply
  31. Erinn S permalink
    01/03/2016 8:33 am

    What a great topic and I love that Fisherman’s Wives story to go along with the discussion!

    Reply
  32. Esti permalink
    01/03/2016 12:21 pm

    Great ways to look at Monday, stay positive and keep going ahead!

    Reply
  33. Chubskulit Rose permalink
    01/03/2016 1:04 pm

    I don’t think I have ever met a perfect person. To live a happy life, you have to accept imperfections.

    Reply
  34. Christina Aliperti permalink
    01/03/2016 1:24 pm

    Wow, stinkin thinkin, I never heard the term but it sure fits. I will be more conscious of doing this now. Not every problem means the end of the world.

    Reply
  35. maria permalink
    01/03/2016 2:11 pm

    I love that quote from Einstein. Always think positive even though life ATM seems crappy.

    Reply
  36. Michelle Solee (@michisolee) permalink
    01/03/2016 2:56 pm

    Nobody is perfect so learn to accept your mistakes and move forward.

    Reply
  37. shoppingduck permalink
    01/03/2016 3:21 pm

    I loved the story about the three wives. It is so easy to complain all the time. I find complaining less leads to a much better day!

    Reply
  38. Terri Ramsey Beavers permalink
    01/03/2016 4:03 pm

    This was sure information I have never heard of. I can see how stinking thinking got it’s name though. I’ll watch what I say and do because I want to be compassionate.

    Reply
  39. bearsi permalink
    01/03/2016 4:07 pm

    This is such a great post, and catchy topic. We all are guilty of this and love that you bring it up 🙂

    Reply
  40. Chubskulit Rose permalink
    01/03/2016 4:11 pm

    Ilove what Maya Angelu have said about smile. I agree with her, if there’s ne that can benefit your smile, it is your family.

    Reply
  41. Debbie Denny permalink
    01/03/2016 4:46 pm

    I just love the fisherman wives story. Funny how people are.

    Reply
  42. Amer Phils permalink
    01/03/2016 5:01 pm

    I always make sure to greet everyone Good morning genuinely. it makes me happy and also the people around me.

    Reply
  43. patricemfoster permalink
    01/03/2016 3:10 pm

    I believe a person attitude can be stinking thinking. I tend to ignore it…Can’t give it anymore life!

    Reply
  44. Amy Jones permalink
    01/03/2016 3:34 pm

    Possitive thinking brings possitive results in life! Stinking thinking is something we all sould avoid as hard as it can be sometimes

    Reply
  45. Agnes (@SpoonsStilettos) permalink
    01/03/2016 7:15 pm

    Great post! I really like the part about not allowing the same things to upset us. I am guilty of that.

    Reply
  46. Kathy Kenny Ngo permalink
    01/03/2016 6:10 pm

    When we put positive thoughts, we attract them. If we believe we can fix something, then we will be able to do so.

    Reply
  47. SweetMemoirs Page permalink
    01/03/2016 6:28 pm

    Thinking that stinks; gotta block it before it poses a hazard to my brain. 😉

    Reply
  48. Heather permalink
    01/03/2016 6:51 pm

    I often have stinking thinking! Thanks for the uplifting post! Now off to take a shower and hopefully wash the rest of that negativity away too! 😉

    Reply
  49. Traveling Blogger permalink
    01/03/2016 6:59 pm

    I love the story about the 3 women! Our way of thinking affects our whole life. It is so important to create positive thinking.

    Reply
  50. Kelly Page (@TastingPage) permalink
    01/03/2016 7:05 pm

    That’s such smart advice. Positive thinking is so powerful. Thanks for the reminder to stay positive!

    Reply
  51. foundfrolicking permalink
    01/03/2016 8:44 pm

    I’ve never heard of the term “stinking thinking” but I like it! I also love the quote from Maya Angelou—I have always found it strange that some people are less than pleasant with their family and loved ones but are so friendly and even kind to strangers.

    Reply
  52. Aziel Morte permalink
    01/03/2016 8:55 pm

    I love this motivation tip. Really good for my Monday

    Reply
  53. Christina Aliperti permalink
    01/03/2016 9:10 pm

    That’s a great way to put it. We definitely all have those days but we need to learn to put those thoughts to the side and keep going with positive thoughts.

    Reply
  54. tara pittman permalink
    01/03/2016 9:12 pm

    One needs to find positive when things are bad.

    Reply
  55. Carol Cassara (@ccassara) permalink
    01/03/2016 10:16 pm

    Ok. I have to admit. You have outdone yourself with this post. I think we can all relate, right?

    Reply
  56. Tiffany Yong permalink
    02/03/2016 1:06 am

    My goodness! I’m appalled by the fishermen’s wives! But that reminded me of some friend who somehow see the worst in everything. This is so mean!

    Reply
  57. Euge Nia permalink
    02/03/2016 2:25 am

    Another great motivation and a very instructive story! You read my mind! 🙂 Unfortunately, we all have negative thoughts from time to time, it’s part of being human. What we should do is teach yourself to recognize them when they arise and changing them into something more positive that can boost our emotional well-being and help in life. I try to let go of the negative thoughts and turn them into positive one and be optimistic all the time!

    Reply
  58. phyliciamarie permalink
    02/03/2016 3:00 am

    Unfortunately, people tend to resort to self pity and blame a lot on themselves, missing out on a lot of things. Anyhoo, the tale about the fishermen’s wives was a bit funny, with stringing of the fish for the smell to spread. haha

    Reply
  59. Idaintyit permalink
    02/03/2016 3:01 am

    I definitely have been victim to ‘stinking thinking’ before.

    Reply
  60. Amanda Love permalink
    02/03/2016 3:20 am

    That story of the fishermans wives is oh so true of so many people. We’re really never happy with what we have at times but we do need to make the best of what we have.

    Reply
  61. JessicaACassidy (@wifetoalineman) permalink
    02/03/2016 4:04 am

    Over thinking sometimes is not good. Just like yesterday with work, I was over thinking and am not feeling good about myself.

    Reply
  62. Fred Hawson (@3xhcch) permalink
    02/03/2016 4:32 am

    Useless worries and put-down thoughts are all types of ST which take us down the road to negativity. Our biggest enemies are really our own selves. We are always too hard on ourselves. Keep positive always!

    Reply
  63. Cole permalink
    02/03/2016 7:56 am

    Very inspiring! I’ve been making it a habit for the past four years now to be more grateful and positive, and simply changing the way I think has definitely made me a happier person!

    Reply
  64. Franc Ramon permalink
    02/03/2016 8:30 am

    Stinking thinking is not really progressive. Rather than be dampened by problems, we should be more motivated by it.

    Reply
  65. Fashionable Librarian permalink
    02/03/2016 8:40 am

    Oh yeah I cannot stand stinking thinking and I try to stay as far as I can away from it.

    Reply
  66. just1mommysopinion permalink
    02/03/2016 10:55 am

    Love the positivity going on here. I can always use some motivation!

    Reply
  67. Fashion Travels (@tauyanm) permalink
    02/03/2016 9:36 am

    true! we have to be postive all the time and try to find the solution

    Reply
  68. Marielle Altenor permalink
    02/03/2016 10:23 am

    I can sometime jump to conclusion really fast. Not something that I’m very proud of and I know that is it something that I most work on eliminating.

    Reply
  69. Emma White (@TheRealSupermum) permalink
    02/03/2016 10:32 am

    I think we have all been guilty of this but what a beautiful inspiring post

    Reply
  70. Izabela permalink
    02/03/2016 1:03 pm

    I was often the victim of stinking thinking but I realised that I need to face challenges and think positively in order to overcome them.

    Reply
  71. kellyharrold permalink
    02/03/2016 1:04 pm

    This was a great post! Misery certainly loves company but we’ve got to check ourselves before well, we wreck ourselves with bad thoughts!

    Reply
  72. Angie@chasingmyhalo permalink
    02/03/2016 1:37 pm

    This is a great post to bookmark anytime I’m catching myself in the “middle of stinking thinking”! So many great quotes and examples:-)

    Reply
  73. Lana B. permalink
    02/03/2016 2:36 pm

    Thinking too much can hurt you. You want your thoughts to be positive and helpful.

    Reply
  74. Christine Cox permalink
    02/03/2016 12:37 pm

    I had never heard of this before. It really does make sense though!

    Reply
  75. Sabrina Fox permalink
    02/03/2016 12:38 pm

    I’m coming back every Monday for motivation. It might set the tone and mood for my whole week. Great article!

    Reply
  76. Sunshine Kelly permalink
    02/03/2016 12:59 pm

    Stinking Thinking got my tongue twisted when I try to say it a few times in a row. Well basically always looks for things that can make us be positive and moved forwaed

    Reply
  77. butterandbeats permalink
    02/03/2016 1:06 pm

    Congrats on starting a movement. I love seeing people put their passion into action. I’ll be sure to follow you.

    Reply
  78. anxiousgeek permalink
    02/03/2016 1:13 pm

    A great post, definitely motivating!

    Reply
  79. Alison permalink
    02/03/2016 1:37 pm

    You really gave me a lot to think about. I love that you shared the story of the 3 wives. It really illustrated the post for me!

    Reply
  80. Monique Starks permalink
    02/03/2016 1:56 pm

    Another great post! I’m really loving your website. I think I’m a “Discounting The Positive” Stinkin Thinker. I do that way too much and will make an effort to stop. I definitely agree that our failures don’t have to define our existence. I love watching that bloomberg show “Game Changers”, I think it’s called. It shows how some of the most successful people got to where they are and most of us don’t know that almost all of them failed miserably MANY times before succeeding. What separates the winners from the losers is being able to keep pushing on even when everyone around you is telling you to quit. We just have to stay motivated and keep our eyes on the prize!!

    Reply
  81. Liz Mays permalink
    02/03/2016 2:05 pm

    I’m pretty sure I use way more should statements than are necessary. I need to remedy that part of stinking thinking.

    Reply
  82. Shubhada permalink
    02/03/2016 2:09 pm

    Very true. Sometimes our thinking can rally stink. It is necessary to keep alert and be with our own self. Sometimes we just take failures too seriously and consider that it’s deadend already.

    Reply
  83. Amy Jones permalink
    02/03/2016 2:16 pm

    Stinking thinking can really be a real problem! Possitive thoughts make possitive outcomes

    Reply
  84. Amy permalink
    02/03/2016 2:48 pm

    Thank you for sharing. Im guilty of having a bad attitude when things aren’t going my way I am easily defeated. This helps a lot!

    Reply
  85. Amer Phils permalink
    02/03/2016 3:06 pm

    I always try start my day with greeting everyone in the morning. it brightens up my day and my coworkers too.

    Reply
  86. Coralie permalink
    02/03/2016 5:17 pm

    Motivation is so important! If I didn’t have motivation then nothing would ever get done. I have to take time for myself to re-energize and get my head together so I don’t get stuck in a bad place.

    Reply
  87. Bhushavali permalink
    02/03/2016 3:30 pm

    Nice story. I’ve read this one. Yeah, lifestyle differs. As much as we think other’s lives are good, we fail to understand their difficulties…

    Reply
  88. Anamika Ojha permalink
    02/03/2016 4:04 pm

    Nice Post! I loved the quote of Zig Ziglar that we need to have a Sure we can do spirit without thinking about failures.

    Reply
  89. Sargas permalink
    02/03/2016 6:33 pm

    Having a negative mind will never give you a positive life.

    Reply
  90. The Trophy WifeStyle permalink
    02/03/2016 7:00 pm

    Ahhhh just the right motivation I needed today!!! Great motivation Monday post as usual 🙂

    Reply
  91. Laura O'Neill (@LauraOinAK) permalink
    02/03/2016 8:25 pm

    Stinkin Thinkin’ is something that gets me more often than I’d like to admit. Thankfully, I can recognize it and then make a conscious decision to be grateful for what I have and it helps adjust things.

    Reply
  92. Jonathan W Key permalink
    02/03/2016 8:35 pm

    It’s amazing that we all deal with stinking feelings. Sometimes we just need to let go and remember tomorrow is a new day.

    Reply
  93. dcvaughan permalink
    02/03/2016 9:27 pm

    I think literally everything Maya Angelou has ever said in her life is a quote. What a brilliant woman with a wonderful life perception!

    Reply
  94. Eileen Mendoza Loya permalink
    02/03/2016 10:55 pm

    It is difficult not to think negatively of one’s self especially when you are usually the recipient of stark comments. I usually just smile at these bullies and let karma take over. When I do get the chance, I tell them, “You are not perfect. Only God is Perfect. AND YOU ARE NOT GOD.”

    Reply
  95. Mommy Roxi (@MommyRoxi) permalink
    02/03/2016 11:47 pm

    Super agree that our thoughts have great impacts on the results of whatever we do. Even if we’re in the right path of our goals, if our mind is ‘not there’ while doing it, it could alter results greatly.

    Reply
  96. SweetMemoirs Page permalink
    03/03/2016 12:25 am

    I thought I’d commented on this post already, but I couldn’t seem to see my previous comment. Anyway, when my thinking stinks, I try to block it right away.

    Reply
  97. tp keane permalink
    03/03/2016 6:41 am

    ha ha, I love that quote about not using the same way of thinking to solve the problems as we did when we created them. Great post.

    Reply
  98. Lynndee permalink
    03/03/2016 7:22 am

    Attitude definitely makes all the difference. But we’re just human. Sometimes, what life throws at us gets the best of us.

    Reply
  99. Julia permalink
    03/03/2016 10:32 am

    Love your motivational monday. You are right Attitude is everything!

    Reply
  100. Shaylee Field permalink
    03/03/2016 9:15 am

    I’m really bad at doing a lot of these things, especially all-or-nothing thinking. I’ve recently become more aware of it though and have been able to ditch the bad thoughts the second they hit my mind. It’s really a freeing experience!

    Reply
  101. Because... I'm cheap permalink
    03/03/2016 12:06 pm

    Ha ha ha… This: “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.” I’ve gotten into that stinking thinking before and dwell on the lack of motivation. So this quote speaks volumes!

    Reply
  102. Suzanne permalink
    03/03/2016 12:32 pm

    Great post! Positive vibes. Positive mind. Postive life. I always am fighting with what I call the ‘bully voice’ in my head and as such, I am, too, throwing that negative way of ‘stinking thinking’ out the window! Ha ha! Xo, Suz

    Reply
  103. Ashley (@AshleyKristineM) permalink
    03/03/2016 3:06 pm

    A great reminder! I find if I catch myself before I get too far into the day I can usually turn things around for myself. 😀

    Reply
  104. Ana Fernandez permalink
    03/03/2016 4:26 pm

    If you think negatively you are going to see obstacles.. but if you think positively you are going to see opportunities that is why I think being positive is the best way to find out the solutions to your problems!

    Reply
  105. Chelsea L. permalink
    03/03/2016 5:09 pm

    Even though most of the time I’m dragging myself to work, I still manage to smile to everyone I have crossed too. Coz I believe a smile especially in the morning can brighten someone’s day. Plus it is a good natural therapy for a younger looks.

    Reply
  106. Miss Millennia Mag (@MissMillMag) permalink
    03/03/2016 10:37 pm

    “Stinkin’ thinkin’- that’s just exactly what it is!

    Reply
  107. Amy permalink
    04/03/2016 9:30 pm

    Interesting and catchy ! I like it !

    Reply
  108. Hannah Adkins permalink
    04/03/2016 10:35 pm

    I think there’s really something to thinking positively. It really improves your mood, situation, and makes a lot of things seem better. I try my best to always look at the positive, and not get into stinking thinking.

    Reply
  109. Ayesha Heart permalink
    05/03/2016 11:21 am

    Later becomes never so we have to act now and do it!

    Reply
  110. Camesha | Mama Motivator permalink
    05/03/2016 2:25 pm

    I try to always remind myself to control my thoughts. Your thoughts become your words.Your words become your actions. 🙂

    Reply
  111. Laci permalink
    05/03/2016 6:53 pm

    I like to think I’m good at not thinking negative they always say I’m the happiest person @ work

    Reply
  112. JanzCrystalz/January permalink
    05/03/2016 7:43 pm

    Wow! Thanks for reminding me to believe in myself and refrain from stinking thinking. I have to believe I can do it no matter what it is.

    Reply
  113. Cai Dominguez -Travelosyo permalink
    05/03/2016 9:25 pm

    its so nice to learn something new today 🙂

    Reply
  114. Nilyn Matugas permalink
    06/03/2016 4:44 pm

    I am guilty of this. Sometimes, we want everything done at the first try that we forget we also learn by experience. There were times I’d blame myself so much for something that I still can redo/improve on.

    Reply
  115. Maria Teresa Figuerres permalink
    06/03/2016 10:05 pm

    I know someone who always thinks negative thoughts. I better show your post to him so that he’ll rid himself of that stinking thinking.

    Reply
  116. Melisa Sanchez permalink
    06/03/2016 11:15 pm

    What a great motivation. This is so cool. When I have a problem I just pray and think. 🙂

    Reply
  117. Shannon Peterson permalink
    08/03/2016 7:56 am

    I love that maya angelou quote about sharing a smile with people you love. It’s amazing what one smile can do to turn around another’s day!

    Reply
  118. Shelly @ Behind Blue Eyes permalink
    08/03/2016 7:05 pm

    You are absolutely right, attitude does make all the differences. When I get myself pumped up and motivated, I get so many things accomplished! Days when I’m feeling blah, nothing gets done.

    Reply
  119. thehamiltoninc permalink
    10/03/2016 6:47 am

    I struggle with this in every area of my life and have to recharge daily. Some really awesome and effective advice. Thank you!

    Reply
  120. Melgie permalink
    10/03/2016 7:15 am

    I love reading the story of The fisherman Wives. Its amazing how nice to have great people who helped other to experience great things. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  121. Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen permalink
    12/03/2016 3:38 pm

    I hate Stinkin’ Thinkin. I’m all for positive thinking.

    Reply
  122. Mommy Maye permalink
    13/03/2016 5:54 pm

    “Perfection is not a requirement for being alive.” This is so true. As I grow older, I am beginning to understand what living a life is. And I am learning everything life is giving me because when we are down, that’s the time we have the opportunity to stand and move up.

    Reply
  123. den permalink
    27/03/2016 8:37 pm

    That term is perfect and catchy, just right. Thank you so much for sharing this!

    Reply
  124. Aitza B permalink
    24/01/2018 4:54 pm

    This is a catchy phrase. The entire post made me think of David Foster Wallace’s This is Water speech. Sometimes you just need to take a deep breath, let go of the bs, and remember it’s all temporary.

    Reply
  125. Ithfifi permalink
    25/01/2018 11:29 am

    I have been guilty of stinkin’ thinkin’ for the past couple of weeks but I know when its time to say enough is enough. Sometimes you gotta shut it off (the unimportant, negative/nit picky self evaluating) to let better thoughts in, then overall you become happier. I found this really helpful to read, what timing to find this post 😀

    Reply

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