I’m a positive, optimistic person. It showed up in the results of an executive assessment I took a few years ago. The feedback from this assessment was not to let my natural optimism color my view in a way that could mask (and prevent me from addressing) real problems.
Understanding if you’re wired as a glass half-full or a glass half-empty person can help lead to better outcomes when you are part of a group. It can also help you avoid “groupthink.”
As an example of less-than-optimal functioning, I’ve been part of interactions dominated by toxic positivity, which led to less-than-optimal group performance. Toxic positivity is a kind of optimism that doesn’t address present, real-world challenges. Instead of identifying issues and working toward solutions, these conversations feel more like “let’s pretend we don’t have problems and hope for the best.” In groups with this kind of thinking, a person who brings up issues is labeled as overly negative and resistant and as someone who isn’t “getting with the program.”
In my past life in banking circles, glass-half-empty people held risk management roles. If you populate your group with people who are being compensated to evaluate risk, you’re going to generate a whole lot of views around what could conceivably go wrong. This can be a frustrating experience for anyone (like me) who wants to make positive things happen and operates with a lens of “how-do-we-realize-our-highest-potential.”
In a world where we have access to negative news 24/7 and where events are undeniably horrific, as in Israel and Ukraine, it can be easy to feel overcome with burdens. Going down the path of negative emotional reasoning can lead to a downward spiral ending in a defeatist attitude, which is unproductive. Sending prayers, setting positive intentions, and doing what we can to support peace and productive interactions allow us to remain focused on positive outcomes.
With all this in mind, we enter a season of gratitude. There are many benefits of practicing gratitude in our daily lives, such as:
1. Improved mental well-being: Expressing gratitude helps shift our focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. It promotes a sense of optimism and happiness, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
2. Enhanced relationships: gratitude strengthens relationships as it fosters a sense of appreciation and connection. When we express gratitude towards others, it deepens our bond and encourages a positive and supportive atmosphere.
3. Increased resilience: Grateful individuals tend to have a higher level of resilience when facing challenges or setbacks. By acknowledging and being thankful for the good things in life, they are better equipped to handle difficult situations.
4. Better physical health: Studies have shown that gratitude is linked to improved physical health. Grateful individuals may experience better sleep, reduced stress levels, and a strengthened immune system.
5. Increased empathy and compassion: Practicing gratitude cultivates empathy and compassion towards others. It helps us recognize the kindness and support we receive, making us more likely to extend the same to others.
6. Greater self-esteem and confidence: Gratitude allows us to appreciate our accomplishments and strengths. By recognizing the positive aspects of our lives, we develop a healthier self-image and a stronger sense of self-worth.
7. Increased productivity: Gratitude enhances our motivation and productivity. When we are grateful for the opportunities and resources we have, we are more likely to make the most of them and strive for continued success.
I savor my interactions with people who are agile enough to employ gratitude, stay positive, identify reasonable risks, present solutions to real problems, and apply effort and discipline to achieve positive outcomes. Isn’t this what serially successful people do well?
Incorporating gratitude into our daily routine helps us to realize numerous benefits for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It helps us foster positive relationships, build resilience, heal past traumas, and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
With this in mind, in this season of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for all the amazing people – family, clients, friends, and supporters – who choose this journey with me (and AegleWealth) to integrate wealth and well-being every day. You all are a gift.
Investment Advisory services offered through Equita Financial Network, Inc., an Investment Adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Equita Financial Network also markets investment advisory services under the name AegleWealth. The foregoing content reflects our opinions and is subject to change at any time without notice. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that the statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.