How to Apply Half-Empty or Half-Full Glass Mindset

Do you know people who are always happy and positive about themselves and life in general? They never seem to have a problem as they tend to deal with things in life with composure and grace. Do you wish you were more like them and able to deal with your life circumstances like they do?

People have a way of seeing life as a glass that is “half-full” or “half empty.”  Those who see the glass as half-full, even when things go very wrong, they find something positive to be grateful and glad about. This way of viewing life is natural for some people, but for the majority of people who use this approach to life, it is a learned technique. It results from making an intention to look at the positive and not to dwell on the negative and then practising doing it.

Those who see the glass as half-empty tend to view any situation with doubt, negativity and as a challenge. To such people a small adjustment in time for the meeting makes them easily upset. They want the meeting to start on time and end on time. On the contrary, those who see the glass as half-full, see it as an opportunity to engage with people or learn from peers what is happening in their respective fields as they are waiting for the meeting to start. They actually end up enjoying the delay.

Dealing with half-empty mindset may sound easy in theory but in reality, it is actually challenging. It is not easy to be thankful when faced with difficult circumstances. However, having a deep reflection from the words of Matshona Dhliwayo that ― “Whether your cup is half-full or half-empty, remind yourself there are others without one.” The idea here is to see the world, situations or circumstances with a broader view perspective.

To illustrate this, recently, we were chatting at a function and a lady shared that the company she works for had restructured due to the challenging economy and that a number of people had lost jobs. Then, a colleague, joined in and noted that the restructuring was due to bad governance in the country. Another person paused and asked, what are the causes, effects and benefits of restructuring? To simply put it, the question changed the whole discussion.  Restructuring was noted to have the good and bad side and that the company could be targeting to improve services, become more efficient and more profitable. It was noticed that her message was all focused in one direction of losing jobs. There was no link between the company restructuring and bad governance of the country.  When the lady was asked about the basis and background to the restructuring, the events had changed and she had this to say “Yaa, actually restructuring was targeted at improving efficiency and those who were not delivering to the company expectations were actually sent home.” The whole restructuring situation quickly changed into a positive. No body further, talked about losing jobs being bad and restructuring being due to bad governance. What changed the situation, people quickly saw the glass as half-full and not half-empty.

When we complain, we quickly lose our perspective of the good or the opportunity that exists in the situation.

Half glass full thinking personalities open their minds to matters around the situation and seek to clarify before commenting or complaining about it. It calls for asking whether a complaint will make the situation better or worse and digs into how it will help in resolving the issue. The instinct perspective we take influences how we respond. The response is based on our attitudes. The positive mindset helps to maintain a positive perspective on most of the things that happen in life. We need to build a positive attitude to be able to see the glass as half-full not half empty even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Regards

RLH Team