Positivity Cannot Be Toxic, But It Is Infectious

There’s a lot changing in our world right now.

Outdated ideas are being set aside for better, more efficient, ethical, and equitable solutions and with change comes new language, new terms, new phrases, new ways of describing our experiences.

One phrase I’ve noticed gaining traction is “toxic positivity.”

Honestly? I don’t use it.

Why? To me, it’s an oxymoron. It undermines the value of positivity which, when genuine, has done more to uplift individuals, communities, and even nations than almost anything else.

If we’re talking about “the forced or insincere promotion of optimism that dismisses or invalidates real emotional experiences”,  let’s call it what it is: forced optimism, denial of true feelings, or a lack of empathy.

Slapping “toxic” in front of everything that has value, including positivity, weakens the term and distracts from its purpose.

What This Means in Fitness & Wellbeing

Take last weekend, for example.
I didn’t wake up feeling great. My legs were heavy, my motivation was low. I could’ve pushed myself to do a hard run or an intense session but instead, I listened to my body.

I swapped the workout for a visit to the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2025 (highly recommended).

That’s not giving up. That’s positive mental attitude (PMA) in action.

A PMA isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about acknowledging how you feel, even if that’s fear, stress, or apathy; yet still choosing a “can do” approach to moving forward, however small the step.

The Infectiousness Effect of PMA

The beautiful thing about positivity is that it spreads. When you genuinely choose to show up with a constructive, hopeful mindset (not fake cheerfulness, not “good vibes only”), the people around you feel it.

Positivity can lift a room, a team, a family. It’s not toxic. It’s infectious and the world needs more of it.

So here’s my question to you:
If “toxic positivity” isn’t quite the right phrase, what should we be calling it instead?

Drop your thoughts in the comments,  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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