Why is it easier to focus on what we don’t have than be grateful for what we do have?

When staring at a glass that’s half full, why do we sometimes instead see it as half empty?

We’re all guilty of this at times, but some go on to make it their calling card. When left unchecked, that negativity becomes the filter through which we see the world. Soon, we’re left doubting ourselves and feel like we’re falling short, no matter how far along we are in our journey.

Sound familiar? If you’ve ever found yourself thinking about who you want to be (personally, professionally, and financially), only to be serially disappointed by the person in front of you in the mirror, then you’re falling victim to this

This occurred to me the other day as I sat and assessed a situation. Fresh off the news, I occupied that void where I had interpreted it fully yet, so I could go positive or negative with my perception.

Each one would have consequences and ramifications, echoing even more on the plus or minus side of my life’s ledger going forward.

So, I made a choice.

Instead of letting the perception of that particular situation just come to me – inevitably influenced by all of my subconscious baggage, trauma, insecurities, etc., I decided to view it through a rosier, more optimistic lens.

Look, change is hard, I’ll admit it. And shedding our old, entrenched habits and conventions is especially painstaking.

It all starts with recognizing objectively who we are now and who exactly we want to be. It also entails celebrating what we have and how we got to where we are, good or bad. We have to look down the mountain sometimes and pat ourselves on the back for how high we’ve climbed, not just look up at the peak longingly.

Once that recognition occurs, change can happen. But not before.

Only then, with clarity and intention, can we assess each new situation. We can process information and assess our relationships accurately, making a choice to see the good in them.

Trust me when I tell you that this transformation is incredibly powerful. Some call it being in the state of gratitude, and it can completely change your life for the better – with the exact same circumstances.

So, make the choice. And watch your life grow and blossom in new and unexpected ways.

I know mine did.

-J.D.