Work Feels Different When You Think Positive | Part 1: How It Transformed My Workday

Introduction: Positive Thinking at Work

Good morning! I’m MMPP.key-_-bou — a middle manager, a dad, and someone working in product development here in Japan.

When it comes to work, positive thinking is often said to bring a lot of good things — higher motivation, reduced stress, greater creativity, and even a positive influence on the workplace itself.

Of course, not everything in life is that simple, but generally speaking, I think it’s pretty true.

Facing a Challenging Task

For example — Imagine being assigned to a new task that feels way over your head.

I’ve actually had that kind of experience before. Out of nowhere, my company said, “America is the center of the world!” and sent me to the U.S. to help launch a new branch as part of the product development team. (And yes, that U.S. branch is still alive and well in 2025!)

If your first thoughts are “Ugh, I really don’t want to do this…” or “What if I fail?”, the task will probably start to feel painful. Even if you technically have the skills to pull it off, both you and the person who assigned it might not end up fully satisfied with the result — not to mention the stress that hits you along the way.

The Power of a Positive Mindset

On the other hand, if you approach it with a positive mindset — “Alright, this is a great chance! I’m going to do my best and see it through!” — your motivation lasts longer, the stress feels lighter, and your brain starts spinning with new ideas and possibilities.

Under Pressure: Your Boss’s Perspective

Your boss will likely feel more confident in you, root for you, and expect better results, too.

That’s exactly how positive thinking leads to higher motivation, less stress, and greater creativity.

Enjoying What You Love

What Feels Good vs. What Feels Bad

If that feels too abstract, let’s think of something else. Picture yourself doing something you love — say, watching cats or enjoying a good drink. Now, imagine doing something you hate instead (though honestly, it’s hard to imagine hating cats). Or being forced into something unpleasant — like attending a drinking party filled with awkward pressure or harassment. Sure, that 100,000-yen(about US$7,000) bottle might taste great, and I do believe alcohol itself isn’t the villain here… but still — not fun, right?

So, which situation makes you feel more alive and motivated?

And when you’re doing something you genuinely enjoy, don’t you sometimes lose track of time — even forget to eat or sleep?

In Short / Key Takeaways

Positive thinking clearly affects how we work.

Since work takes up so much of our lives, learning to enjoy it can truly make life richer and more fulfilling.

If there’s ever a “Part 2,” I’d like to write about how positive thinking influences teamwork and leadership.
Or maybe something like “If My Boss Were a Cat…” 🐱

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