A Year of Positive Thinking Book Summary - A Year of Positive Thinking Book explained in key points

Listen to the Intro

00:00

A Year of Positive Thinking summary

Name: A Year of Positive Thinking
Rating: 3.9 (54 reviews)
Author: Cyndie Spiegel

Cyndie Spiegel

Daily Inspiration, Wisdom, and Courage

3.9 (54 ratings)

22 mins

Topics

Learning Wisdom Inspiration Happiness

Table of Contents

A Year of Positive Thinking
Summary of 12 key ideas

Audio & text in the Blinkist app

Key idea 1 of 12

What’s in it for me? Experience a year of positive thinking.

Where you are is exactly where you should be right now.

It doesn’t matter if that place is boring or scary. It doesn’t matter if you’re excited or your heart is broken. Don’t fight what you’re feeling. Sit still and surrender to the experience. When you’re ready, you can let go and move on.

It’s been said that to counterbalance every negative thought you have, you need three positive ones. This is because your brain has a negativity bias – it looks for what’s wrong rather than looking for the positive. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Through the repetition of mantras, affirmations, and mental activities, you can retrain your brain to seek out the positive.

In this Blink to Cyndie Spiegel’s A Year of Positive Thinking, we can’t give you an idea for every day of the year. Instead, we’ve selected a few reflections and exercises for each month to inspire you to live your best life.

January

Kintsukuroi – meaning “golden repair” – is the Japanese craft of fixing broken ceramics using lacquer mixed with gold. The repair becomes part of the history of the object. And a new, more resilient, uniquely beautiful artwork emerges.

In the same way, you may fall, fail, and break in life. But you’ll get up and repair yourself, over and over. You may never be the same person you were before, but your imperfections will make you more beautiful, stronger, and a better person.

So, live your life to the fullest. Don’t rely on others to make you happy. Create that happiness yourself. Stare in awe at the beauty around you. And appreciate yourself for the person you are – imperfections and all.

During January, why not try these two great exercises?

First, get a notepad and pen. Write a list of things you would do if other people’s opinions were unimportant. Prioritize your list. Which ones excite you? Make a plan to do all the things you’ve prioritized. Live your life as you want it to be.

Now think about what you’re grateful for in your life, and write down three positive things about your day. Do this for the next ten days. Then share your list with three close friends. Together, experience the impact these things have had on your life.

February

February is the month of love. And loving yourself is your first step. Just as you can’t expect perfection from others, don’t expect it from yourself either. Think about what you love about yourself: Are there certain aspects that need more self-love? What could you do to love yourself more?

And when it comes to your partner, remember that love also requires compromise. But if a prerequisite for love is change – either an expectation from your partner for you to change or vice versa – walk away. Loving someone unconditionally allows you to see them as they really are. But when you love someone conditionally, what you actually see is them as you are!

March

Loneliness is something everyone feels at some point in their life. But you’re never really alone. Reach out to your community and friends. And even though it may seem scary, allow yourself to speak to strangers too – they may even become your friends.

And when adversity comes calling, think about it as an opportunity for growth. You may fall apart, but you’ll put yourself back together again. Through it, you’ll learn to hope, to believe, and to dream. Not only will you survive the hard times; they'll also teach you how to thrive!

April

Just as caterpillars can transform into butterflies, ordinary people can become extraordinary too – including you! Here are three positive things you can implement this month to transform into a better you.

First, don’t be judgemental. If someone does something you dislike, hold back your disapproval. After all, tomorrow it may be you who’s doing something someone else disapproves of.

May

Let’s start May with a small exercise in positivity.

Think about five things you really enjoy. Maybe it’s reading novels – or maybe it’s exploring nearby towns or other places on weekends. Whatever those things are, write them down. Next, share your list with someone else, and ask them to do the same. Over the next month, make time to do the things on your lists together. When you get to the end of the month, share your experience with a third person. And then? Well, you’re ready to write a list for the next month.

June

Once there was a farmer who owned a horse. His neighbors told him he was lucky to own a horse. “Maybe,” he replied.

One day, the horse ran away. His neighbors came around and sympathized with him. “Such bad luck!” they said. “Maybe,” he answered.

July

However the world might seem right now, don’t stop dreaming. Take stock of how strong you are. Let your spirit rise to the top of every mountain, and believe that everything is possible. Let the magic of your optimism imbue you with the sense that your hopes and dreams can become reality.

Now take a moment to think about all of the things that you should do. Take a pen and paper, and write them down. When you’re done, consider each item and ask, Who told me that I should do this? You may be surprised to find that many of the items on your list are obligations or beliefs others have placed upon you, or they’re a result of some guilt you feel. Think about whether these “obligations” are stopping you from living the life you really want to live. Cross out anything on the list that’s holding you back. Take a deep breath, and enjoy your newfound freedom of decision!

August

For a friendship to flourish, you don’t need to have common interests or similar personalities. What’s more important is that your connection comes from the heart – and that you both value your connection equally. Nurture relationships that take you out of your comfort zone; these will optimize and sustain your own growth and bring you joy, love, and happiness. And make space for your true friends as they’ll be by your side not only for the good times, but also during times of turmoil.

Only you are responsible if your life becomes boring. So notice the magic moments each day. They’re all around you, from bumping into a friend you haven’t seen for a while to a smile from a stranger on the train – or just a rainbow after a storm.

September

Start this month by making a list of what you consider to be your best qualities. Then make your list into a series of affirmations. You can do this simply by adding “I am” before each one. So if you’ve written “caring partner,” you’d make it “I am a caring partner.” If you have “generous to my friends,” make it “I am generous to my friends,” and so on.

Say each of your affirmations out loud. How does that feel?

October

Every moment of your life up until now has contributed to the person you’ve become – and will continue to become. And that includes the beauty in your life as well as the trauma. Your past experiences allow you to show empathy to others going through similar circumstances. But your past also creates possibilities for you – if you give it permission to do so. Only you can decide whether your past lies on you heavily or lightly.

When things in your life aren’t going as you’d like, think about how you can change things. Are you only reading negative things? Seek out something positive instead. Are the people around you down in the dumps? Allow yourself to be happy, and maybe your happiness will rub off on them too. If something isn’t going right in your world, seek out ways to change course.

November

Do you ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? How does it make you feel? Regretful? Futile? Helpless?

We all need help sometimes, so don’t be shy about asking for it! Actually, being willing to ask for help is a sign of strength. What you’re demonstrating is that you want to take care of not only yourself, but also everyone around you. You don’t need to face things alone; there’s a whole world out there. Just ask!

December

You are extraordinary … so stop spending so much time criticizing yourself! Spend some time thinking about what it is you love about yourself – your physical traits, your qualities. Write them down, and don’t stop until you have 25 things. Read your list, and then file it away somewhere. Make a calendar note to revisit your list six months from now. Repeat this yearly. You could even do this as part of your birthday celebration each year.

Next time your inner critic – that voice inside you that questions everything you do – starts to bully you, tell yourself the exact opposite, even if you don’t really believe it. For example, if your inner critic says, “Nah, you don’t have enough experience to do that,” you say, “I have plenty of experience to tackle this task.” You’ll eventually come to believe what you tell yourself. Be patient; it may take some time, but it will happen.

Want to see all full key ideas from A Year of Positive Thinking?

Key ideas in A Year of Positive Thinking

More knowledge in less time

Read or listen

Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.

Find your next read

Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.

Shortcasts ^New

We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

What is A Year of Positive Thinking about?

A Year of Positive Thinking (2018) provides you with a dose of positive thinking for every day of the year. By using its daily affirmations, inspirational quotes, and exercises you’ll learn to live your best life.

Who should read A Year of Positive Thinking?

Pessimists (and optimists) looking for uplifting advice
Individuals currently experiencing hardship
Anyone who wants to transform into a better version of themselves

About the Author

Cyndie Spiegel worked in the NYC fashion industry for 15 years and taught at both Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology for 5 years. At the age of 35 she became certified in Applied Positive Psychology, and in 2019 she founded Dear Grown Ass Women – an online community for women aged 35+ seeking personal development and deep connections. She’s also an in-demand keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. A Year of Positive Thinking is her first book.

Categories with A Year of Positive Thinking

Personal Development Motivation & Inspiration Mindfulness & Happiness

Books like A Year of Positive Thinking

Be the Love

Sarah Prout

Seven Ways to Unlock Your Heart and Manifest Happiness

A Practical Guide to Overcome Negativity and Better Manage Your Feelings

17 min

4.3

8 Secrets to Powerful Manifesting

Mandy Morris

How to Create the Reality of Your Dreams

17 min

4.4

When Things Fall Apart

Pema Chödrön

Heart Advice For Difficult Times

15 min

4.4

Positive Intelligence

Shirzad Chamine

Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and how You Can Achieve Yours

17 min

4.6

Work Smarter, Not Harder

The Blinkist Team

Find more productivity by doing fewer things.

What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us About Happiness, Meaning, and Community

23 min

4.5

Good Vibes, Good Life

Vex King

How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness

23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present

A Critique of Political Economy

The Bulletproof Plan to Age Backward and Maybe Even Live Forever

24 min

4.2

Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It

Kamal Ravikant

How the Simple Act of Self-Love Can Transform Your Life

How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

16 min

4.3

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen R. Covey

Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

The secrets of 40 millionaires' wealth, revealed

15 min

4.4

Rewire Your Anxious Brain

Catherine M. Pittman & Elizabeth M. Karle

How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry

How the Masters of Private Equity Always Win

16 min

4.5

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Mark Manson

A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

A Guide to Compassionate Living

16 min

4.5

Do Breathe

Michael Townsend Williams

Calm Your Mind. Find Focus. Get Stuff Done.

Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity, and Become Extraordinary

16 min

4.5

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do

Amy Morin

Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success

The New Psychology of Success

15 min

4.5

Positivity

Barbara L. Fredrickson

Top-Notch Research Reveals the 3 to 1 Ratio That Will Change Your Life

Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life

18 min

4.4

Less Doing, More Living

Ari Meisel

Make Everything in Life Easier

21 min

3.6

Million Dollar Habits

Brian Tracy

Proven Power Practices to Double and Triple Your Income

A Guide to Building a Home for Your Soul

20 min

4.6

Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide To Money

Dave Ramsey

The All-In-One Resource on Money—Budget, Save, Dump Debt & Invest

An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

A Magical Fable About Following Your Dreams

Let Go of the Past, Connect with the Present, and Expand the Future

18 min

4.6

Napoleon Hill’s Golden Rules

Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety

Drew Ramsey

Nourish Your Way to Better Mental Health in Six Weeks

21 min

4.3

Everybody Matters

Bob Chapman & Raj Sisodia

The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family

13 min

4.2

Presentation Advantage

Kory Kogon

How to Inform and Persuade Any Audience

The Science and Practice of Presence

The 15 Most Powerful Principles for Wealth, Health, and Happiness

26 min

4.6

The Power of a Positive No

William Ury

How to Say No and Still Get to Yes

22 min

4.4

You Can Heal Your Life

Louise Hay

A classic of self-realization with practical and spiritual advice for emotional and physical problems

Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload

Smaller Habits, Bigger Results

The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos

8 min

3.3

The Design Thinking Workbook

CJ Meadows

Essential Skills for Creativity and Business Growth

Six Studies in World Strategy

20 min

4.3

The 12-week Fitness Project

Rujuta Diwekar

Going Beyond Weight Loss for Better Sleep, Energy, and Bloating

16 min

4.2

Becoming Supernatural

Joe Dispenza

How Common People are Doing the Uncommon

A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity

How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself

20 min

4.5

People ❤️ Blinkist

Sven O.

It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

Thi Viet Quynh N.

Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

Jonathan A.

Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

Renee D.

Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.