By Phil Rosenbaum
If you were asked if you see the cup as half-full or half-empty, how would you answer the question? This, of course, is referring to whether you have an optimistic or pessimistic view of life. It may surprise you, but in one study, it was found that only 58% of Americans said they saw the cup as half-full. The others either saw it as either half-empty or were undecided.
There are definite benefits to being optimistic (seeing the cup as half-full). Studies have shown that optimists live, on average, 11 to 15 percent longer than pessimists. Optimists have improved mental health. They also have better physical health. Optimists have increased resistance to illness, and being optimistic can help you feel less anxious and depressed. In addition, those who are optimistic have better relationships. Being optimistic can help people be more successful in their careers, and they enjoy working more than pessimistic people. One study showed that optimists earned an average of $32,667 more than their pessimistic peers ten years after graduation. Thus, it is clear that being optimistic has many benefits, including being happier, healthier, and more successful.
There is good news for the more pessimistic among us. Everybody can choose whether to see the cup as half-full rather than half-empty. The famous Harvard psychologist William James once said that one of the most important discoveries was that we can change our lives by changing our attitudes.
Another psychologist, Martin Seligman, known for “Positive Psychology,” states that optimists bounce back from defeat, whereas pessimists give up and often fall into depression. He also pointed out that learning how to coach your inner dialogue can change your attitude from negative to positive. We are responsible for our attitude.
There are steps you can take to be more optimistic. They include: setting your intention, doing something outside your comfort zone, reframing a problem into an opportunity, avoiding people who drain your energy, presenting yourself as an optimist, looking for the best in any situation, exercising, and not taking life so seriously.
If you are having trouble optimistically seeing life, there are other steps you can take to remedy this. One such step would be to enlist the aid of a hypnotherapist. Hypnosis does work. It is safe and effective, and it only takes a few sessions to see improvements in your life. If you want to learn more about hypnosis or experience a session, please call Phillip Rosenbaum at 248-688-6469. Why not experience the benefits that come from seeing the cup as half-full?
