Philosopher Rene Descartes Wrote, "I Think, Therefore

¶ … Philosopher Rene Descartes wrote, "I think, therefore I am." While Descartes used this phrase to put into perspective his beliefs on the philosophical debate of existence, this quote resonates to most philosophical layman today as a motto for achieving anything that they may set their mind to. However, the manner in which one thinks -- positively or negatively -- also adds a great deal to what I perceive the quote to mean.

In interpreting this quote in this manner, as I do, it can be used in conjunction with attaining certain life goals, including my own: to finish my career successfully, be a good professional, and above all be a good wife and mother for my family. In viewing these goals, one can also understand how these goals can be achieved and maintained in the long run through the application of Descartes' thinking and with positive thinking as a whole.

Researchers note that an individual's psychological capital (a core factor consisting of hope, efficacy, optimism, and resilience) was related to their positive emotions, that in turn were related to their attitudes and behaviors (Avey, Luthans and Wernsing, 2008, p.48). Therefore, in embodying positivity through emotion and action, one is able to not only more capably and efficiently attain the goals they lay out for themselves.

This idea is echoed in information from the Mayo Clinic, which notes "positive thinking that typically comes with optimism is a key part of effective stress management. And is associated with many health benefits" (Mayo Clinic, 2011, p.1).

In looking at the research provided, clearly there is a link between positive behavior and thinking and one's stress level, but the question remains: how can this help someone to achieve their goals? In looking at the life goals I have set out for myself: to finish my career successfully, be a good professional, and be a good wife and mother for my family, it is immediately clear that these goals are long-term and will take a great deal of time and effort to achieve to the degree of long-term success I have envisioned in my head.

It is this fact that ties the concept of positive thinking in terms of reaching one's goals into the picture so closely. It is easy for someone to set out a short-term goal for themselves and achieve it fairly quickly without incident. However, it is in viewing long-term goals such as those aforementioned, that the concept of positive thinking will come more highly into play.

Long-term-goals such as being a good mother or achieving the highest level I can within my career field are not things that can be achieved overnight. Instead, these are goals that will evidently take the long haul to complete, and it is in this long haul that most people begin to feel disheartened about the status of what they desire. It is in these moments that the concept of positive thinking can come into play in order to keep one's motivation up on the journey to goal fulfillment and happiness.

An individual who thinks positively acts positively, with a stress level that has been scientifically proven to be alleviated by those positive thoughts. While I cannot be certain that I will be able to maintain a positive outlook and think positively in.