If you rarely ask yourself the title question, or tend to answer it in a negative way, you’ll definitely benefit from watching the following TedTalks presentation from Dr. Alison Ledgerwood:
So are you the type to describe things in a “gain frame” or a “loss frame”?
I’ll have to admit that I’m the half-empty type. Though I understand the negative connotations behind using a loss frame. Still, when a glass of something I enjoy (let’s say a cold glass of beer on a hot day) is half gone — I just can’t help but feel a loss!
Joking aside, it was refreshing to hear Dr. Ledgerwood confirm that it’s been clinically proven that it’s harder for all of us to see the upside any negative occurrence and get past it.
Ultimately, the video should teach everyone is that if you’re negative, you’re really just too lazy to put in the massive effort required to think positively. As the doc said: it does take a lot of effort to be an optimist.
Let’s make a pact to stop being lazy. Look for the upside in your day at least once in the next week.
Forgive someone.
Tip a crappy waiter/waitress.
Give an employee or coworker a pat on the back for doing a mediocre job.
When you start to feel sadness in the morning as that first delicious cup o’ joe is nearly gone, say to yourself: “Wow, I’ve got so much coffee left to drink!”
