Is The Glass Half-Empty or Half-Full? 3 Tips To Help You Become More Positive

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right!."

- Henry Ford

I took my first philosophy class in college when I was 18. One weekend, I thought I would enlighten my nieces and nephews, who were between 11 and 13 years old at the time, with some questions to ponder. I filled up a glass half-way and asked them the question: is the glass half-full or half-empty?

“Full?” One of my nieces asked.

“Actually, I think it’s more than half-way full,” one of my nephews comments.

I stopped them at once to try to explain what the question meant and how it reflected the point of view people might have on life. I thought I clarified things a bit more, but shortly after, one of my nieces asked, “…so did we get it right?”

It’s difficult to change the perception of adults. Adults have too many years of negative thoughts and bad habits under their belt that it makes it difficult to change their ways or become more positive. Yes, it’s difficult for someone to be 100% positive 100% of the time, but having a positive mind set will completely change your life.

Noticed that I said that it’s difficult, not impossible to change the perception of adults. There are ways to think more positively and below are just a few that have helped me personally.

Change your vocabulary

Have you noticed if you commonly use negative words like ‘can’t’, ‘impossible,’ or ‘no’? This is a habitual vocabulary that you developed over time that can be reversed. Below are some examples of how you can change the words you use. Make sure you make it a routine to change your vocabulary.

Negative comments	Positive comments
I can’t do that	How can I do that?
That’s impossible	How can I make it possible?
I’m not good enough	How can I get better?

Surround yourself with positive people

There are certain people that can be easily influenced by others. This could be a bad thing if the people influencing you are negative. Negativity and positivity is contagious. Surround yourself around people who will influence you in a good way and who believe in you. If you can’t think of anyone, it might be time to find a new crowd.

Focus on accomplishments

Most of the time we focus on what we could have done better or what we need to improve and completely forget the things we’ve done well. Start a log, a journal or a diary where you can write down your accomplishments for the week. (Read Can You Answer This OneSimple Question About Last Week?). I typically do this on Friday. On Fridays, I think back and try to come up with at least 3 accomplishments I had for the week. This routine has helped me in two ways: (1) I feel more accomplished and (2) I now think about what I want to accomplish for the following week.

There is no right way to become a positive thinker. All it takes is some effort and consistent habits to see a glass that is half-full.  

Don't forget to share this blog so you can encourage others: family, co-workers, friends. Give them something to get motivated! You never know what they might be going through. A few words of encouragement can go a long way.