Simon on TOXIC POSITIVITY

The difference between toxic positivity and being an eternal optimist...

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Simon is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.

Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon has devoted his professional life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do.

Simon is the author of multiple best-selling books including Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together is Better, and The Infinite Game.

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Simon’s books:

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#SimonSinek

[bloohibou]

More than misrepresenting reality, toxic positivity goes farther: it suppresses and excludes voices of realism, healthy skepticism, and counter factual (I.e.: risk assessment) thinking. Sometimes it outright punishes and gaslights diverse perspectives. The result is cynicism, disengagement, and the flight of talent.

[jeanettedorfman]

I was taught as a teacher that we were never supposed to “complain” about things in the classroom. When I questioned that tack, I was admonished. Now I recognize that a system that doesn’t allow me to acknowledge what isn’t working is toxic. I’ve learned a lot about honoring my own boundaries from your videos. Thank you.

[FoxnDen]

These are the hardest years of my life. I chose this. The future is worth it. Blessings now are worth it

[josephgonzales]

Glad optimism and realism can coexist. I felt like I was always told I was a pessimist because of my realism but I felt like that didn’t quite fit me.

[krystinapapaserge]

Alan Watts tells me reality is Biting the apple from the tree of knowledge has been very toxic. Knowledge is the new currency but without action it remains an illusion or hallucinations. Application turns knowledge into wisdom. Now if I can figure out how to apply my experience strength and hope to help is my hurdle

[spiritualspartan]

Holding space for others and self and having hope, faith, and seeing the light no matter how far away it is…I am also an eternal optimist

[HumanRightsforAllPositivity]

Weathering the storm is about recognizing that there is a storm and protecting yourself from the storm❤

[CoachGrimes]

Your team will respect you for being real. Great opportunity to build trust.

[slimshany]

"We will get through this in better shape" is lovely and optimistic, but certainly not a given. I would say it adds bagage at least.

[tackyvanilla]

Right, part of my healing was admitting to God that I wasn’t okay. (I’m religious) and that was really hard asking God for help. But he’s coming through for me.

[JHF]

I say this all the time without knowing it had a name. Toxic positivity - this is brilliant. Thank you

[OptiRaz]

I needed to hear this while the whole company is going through challenging times at work while no one seems to agree that it is challenging times

[RevanthKanakam]

Wonderful 👌I LOVE SIMON SINEK. Great guy!

[nodozhit]

Well said- but I would make sure to include all of the clichés that tell people things like- if I can do it, so can you, or just pray about it.
Toxic positivity should always include all of the aspects, like the rhetoric and sophistry, that doesn't account for an individual's ability, agency, and autonomy to accomplish his or her aspirations

[Lucas___]

This is the only major point I found disagreeing, in part, with Simon. Positivity is tattooed in my brain. Positivity and Optimism. Of course 'toxic' anything ain't good. But Positivity by of it self is a Virtue as such so many others. I'll raise Positivity always, even in rough times, acknowledging every piece of data and Reality. But eternally focusing on the Gain. Be Positive.

[languist]

I'm being positive in public all the time, cause I'm terrified of criticism.

[bailujen]

I have a mentally abusive mother who is like that

[shaikhharith]

Most people on the internet are unfortunately blindly positive.

[LionMob]

Is like that image with the dog in a house on fire and he says: this is fine