Is your “glass” half-full or half-empty?

In a previous post, we talked about how our attitude about our past can have a profound effect on our future. This holds true regardless of how good (or bad) things appear on the horizon. To be sure, no one gets excited about adverse situations that arise from time to time, but our outlook makes a big difference in whether we “bounce back” from adversity or not.

So how would you describe yourself? Are you a “glass half-empty” person (pessimist) or “glass-half-full” person (optimist)?

Can we change?

Regardless of where we are in life, we can choose to change our outlook. No matter what our past has been, no matter what the future holds, how we perceive things remains our choice – and ours alone. And it all comes down to a simple, yet profound decision: “I choose a positive outlook.” Once we take that step, our lives become dramatically different – even if our circumstances (at the moment) remain the same.

So how can we do this? Of course, it is easy to say, “just make a choice,” but what does that look like in our day-to-day lives? What are some concrete steps we can take to become an optimist in 2017?

From the “Creation Health” program at Florida Hospital, here are six ways that you can create and live out a positive outlook:

1. Hope and believe in the best.
2. Choose to focus on the positive and not the negative things. It’s easy to follow the crowd and look at the negative…how about something different?
3. Express gratitude. Thanksgiving is a pillar of optimism. Are you counting your blessings…or your burdens?
4. Color your world with optimism. If you aren’t happy or fulfilled in an area of your life, you have the power to make a positive change.
5. Live your vision. What is your purpose…the “Big Idea” that guides and moves you forward to impact your world?
6. Dare to dream. Be bold. Take a calculated risk. Don’t quit. Do big things.

We all can find (legitimate) reasons to be cynical or pessimistic about the future. We all have the opportunity to cultivate a positive outlook. As we begin this new year of 2017, which will you choose? Will your glass be half-empty…or half-full?

What are some things you can do – or have done – to create a positive outlook on life? Share your ideas below, or join the conversation on Facebook.