The future was one of unlimited opportunity and promise. Hyper-positive thinking (stream of consciousness) was typified by cognitive distortions, as in depression, but in the opposite direction. For example, jumping to positive conclusions, such as “I’m a winner” and “I can do anything”; under-estimating risks, such as “There’s no danger”; minimizing problems, such as “Nothing can go wrong”; and overvaluing immediate gratification, such as “I will do this now”. 
Thus, cognitive distortions provided biased confirmation of the positive cognitive triad of self, world and future.
Positive experiences were selectively attended to, and it was hypothesized that in this way underlying beliefs and self-schema that guide behaviors, thoughts and feelings were maintained and strengthened.
Examples of such underlying beliefs and self-schema include: “I’m special” and “Being manic helps me to overcome my shyness”.