Half Full Or Half Empty: Does It Matter?

Is the glass half full or half empty?  Does it matter?  An interesting analysis of over 61 studies involving 221,000 people about optimism and pessimism’s effect on health was just released. The results show that being optimistic does not matter as much as not being pessimistic. 

The study revealed that while optimism helped create more positive results, the absence of negativity was two times more powerful in terms of results.  Let me dive into that a bit.  The researchers investigated two groups. One had elements of optimism present. The other had the lack of pessimism present.  When compared to each other those who practiced non-negativity had a higher level of well-being than those who were optimistic. 

What does this mean for us?  It means that it is more important to eliminate complaining, blaming or being a victim than it is to be positive.  In other words, it is better to remove than add.  Remove negative statements rather than adding positive ones.  Remove focusing on failures and reliving bad moments. Remove explaining what is wrong. Remove talking about how stressed or busy you are and well-being will increase. 

So here is the challenge this week, do a self-audit. 

What are the negative focal points you have?  What is one negative thing you can eliminate for yourself this week?