To see the glass half full is to look for solutions to move forward and get by in all situations. We consider adversity and obstacles as temporary situations so we persevere because we have confidence in the future. Optimistic or pessimistic: which side are you on?
The quest for happiness is universal. But access to happiness is a complex subject, which many health professionals, philosophers and researchers are trying to answer.
The genetics of optimism?
The dazzling evolution of science and technology over the past 30 years has simplified many things: traveling to the other side of the world, working remotely with collaborators from all countries, communicating more and more quickly, accessing information in an increasingly simple way. Everything seems easier and easier. And yet we desperately seek the recipe for happiness…
In the same way that some have the blue eye gene, is it possible that some have a predisposition to be happy, this ability to wear a positive regard on the world allowing a more cheerful reading of the world in some way?
We know well that a glass half full is seen as half empty by individuals who are called “pessimists”.
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But then, what makes some perceive it as half empty and others as half full? And above all, if we see it half empty, can we learn to see that glass half full and become more receptive to happiness?
What is the ability to see the glass half full?
The way we look at the world is fundamental in determining our perception of our environment or the events we are experiencing. This outlook on life will be forged by our education, our childhood, the words we have heard about ourselves and about others.
But what positive psychology has taught us is that this look can evolve once you understand a few basics:
- Noticing the negative is a well-known human tendency in psychology, called the negativity bias. The human species is biologically programmed to pay more attention to bad news than good news, simply because we are a species that was built through the instinct of survival and knowing how to spot danger. Negative information allows us to protect ourselves.
- Use words with a strong positive impact as beautiful, good or even good, positively influences our brain. Taking on positive challenges also has a positive impact on our willpower. A positive formulation will lead us to put in place behaviors that go in this direction. This will allow us a positive anchor towards this change of outlook.
- Express gratitude towards the little things in life is also impacting our brain. Recognizing what is going well and saying thank you for what is good for us encourages us to perceive more. The more we direct our attention to the good things, the more we will notice them in our environment; it is a nourishing philosophy of life.
Write down each evening what made you happy
If you want to see the glass half full, try change your point of view. You can achieve this by practicing with a little writing exercise…
Every evening, before going to bed, take the time to remember what made you happy during the day, what brought you pride or satisfaction. Try to find three every night because if there are only one or two, it could mean that those times are exceptions.
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Do a little visualization replay these moments in your head and take notes in a notebook to act out what you feel. The only rule here is to never add ” even though or “while”. Note only the positive !
Over time, your brain will get used to no longer object when you express your joy, your pride or your satisfaction.
Seeing happiness in everything is an ability that works like a physical activity which only produces results if practiced regularly.
If our brain is naturally formatted to retain the negative, then we must re-educate it to perceive the positive. For this, it is just a question of training ourselves to perceive the world differently and to express ourselves differently.
Yes, seeing the glass half full is within everyone’s reach.
