Rethinking positive thinking Science says that not only is positive visualization unlikely to lead to exceptional outcomes, the practice may actually trick our minds into taking it too easy, making actual outcomes worse. But, there is a hack that does work. Article: Don’t Think Too Positive Office buzz Recently I presented a Clarity brand study to the board of a quasi-governmental agency. The quasi part had contributed to a great deal of misunderstanding within and without the organization of why, at the most base level, they existed, and at a more granular level, how they defined success. The governmental part meant that their process was creaky with requirements.  Not to worry; when you reach out and ask those you serve of their perception of how you help, they can help resolve confusion like this. And they did. The day after the presentation the head administrator of the organization emailed me: “I have served this group for 30 years. I’ve never felt more excited and hopeful.” Ouch that feels good. And listening is so simple. Playlist Josh Ostrander is a Philly-born singer/songwriter who has been living and playing music in LA long enough be recording and performing under the moniker Mondo Cozmo. His music turns up the flame under the melting pot of rock, soul and Americana. You can hear Beck and the Stones circa 1990, as well as U2, Prince and Charlie Rich. You’ll recognize it immediately. You’ve never heard it before. His first album is called Plastic Soul. You can dip into it with this live reading of the cover song recorded in the KCRW studios.