From a Teen’s Perspective: Practical positivity

The difference between a practical mindset and a positive mindset can be hard to discern, but I’ve tried to establish a framework that clearly distinguishes the two — although I admit that they’re closely related (positivity often contains practicality and vice versa).

The key difference is that practicality does not overtly look for things that will elevate your mood. Instead, it looks for things that allow you to achieve your goals.

Let’s take the “bad grade” example.  While scoring poorly on a test hurts your grade, it also gives you the perfect study guide for subsequent tests. You now know what types of questions your teacher likes to use and which ones are most difficult for you.

While this certainly doesn’t make your bad grade “worth it,” it provides some consolation by offering you a path to greater academic success in the future. While you may still feel upset about your grade, at least you can use the experience to avoid repeating it, and thus feel a little bit better about the situation.

The moral of the story is that everyone faces obstacles that weigh on their mental and emotional resilience. And while pure positivity may seem out of reach, practical positivity is often easier to employ and provides a pragmatic path forward.

So the next time you face a tough situation, unable to find relief, focus on the opportunities it presents for strength and growth. And pretty soon, you might just find that obstacle well behind you, nothing more than fuel for your endless, inspiring fire!

Got any topics you want me to cover? Email dylanclarklanier@gmail.com with your requests!

Dylan Lanier is a senior at Menlo-Atherton High School.