To paraphrase René Descartes, this statement is the essence of what makes us human. We know that the creative process evolves from human thought. To create a work of art, the painter thinks about her vision before brushing it onto the canvas. It is a conscious act.
But have you considered that our thoughts lead directly to the life we (consciously or unconsciously) create for ourselves? What we think is the reality that we create. That is a scary concept for many people, because it means that we have to accept responsibility for our life—the things we are happy about and the things we are not. Where we find ourselves at this point of life's journey is entirely of our own making!
Whether you find that statement exciting and full of challenge, or whether you find it totally defeating says something about your inherent outlook: you are either an optimist or a pessimist. (Many would say that “realist” is another category, but most “realists” I know are, in fact, quite pessimistic about life.)
In case you are not sure where you fall in the optimism spectrum, take a minute to see how you would respond to the following situations. Be honest!
1. You just found out that there is a new position being created at your workplace that will combine the two jobs currently done by you and a co-worker. Your current position will no longer exist. Do you:
a) Hand in your resignation because there is no way you are qualified for the new position (and you're too old to start learning that new technology anyway).
b) Apply for the new position immediately and volunteer to upgrade your skills.
2. You have been having chest pains and after finally seeing a doctor, you are told that you have to make some changes to your lifestyle. Do you:
a) Decide that it's too late for you to make changes: you hate exercise and there is no way you're giving up smoking. You resign yourself to an inevitable heart attack.
b) Go out the same day and buy a good pair of walking/running shoes. You welcome a compelling reason to take control of your health and to feel better physically.
3. You have been looking at houses because your current living quarters are too small. You find an older home that is in a great neighborhood, is structurally sound and is a great deal because it needs some cosmetic work inside. Do you:
a) Pass on it because it's you can't see beyond the dated carpet and peeling wallpaper in the bathroom. You hold out for the perfect home that you can't afford but will require no effort to move into.
b) You jump at the bargain price and location, excited by the prospect of transforming the interior to reflect your style and taste. You can see what it will look like—and its future value—with a coat of paint and some minor maintenance.
4. You are invited to a friend's party that will include a number of their neighbors and friends you've never met. Do you:
a) Decline and stay home with a rented movie because you're no good with small talk and would have nothing in common with those people.
b) Go buy a bottle of wine, put on your favorite outfit and show up looking forward to meeting some new people. If the crowd isn't your style, you can always help in the kitchen or leave early.
I think you see the pattern: If you answered A's, you tend to see the “glass is half empty”; B's see the “glass is half full”.
Glass Half Full people ACT . They not only grab opportunities that come along, they create them. They can see where they are and where they want to be and make conscious decisions to help themselves get there. They keep their eyes on the prize. They see obstacles, which face us all, as opportunities to grow and learn. They don't just know what they want; they expect to get it are willing to have it. They are willing to take a risk and accept the reward.
Glass Half Empty people often lack the self-esteem and confidence to act on opportunities that present themselves. Instead, they WAIT : they wait for the next great thing (or next best thing); they wait for Mr. or Ms. Right to come along and make them happy… By not acting, they don't have to take any risks. Fear of failing is their motivation. If you expect nothing, you can't be disappointed. It's a safe way to live, but not particularly fulfilling, is it? If you expect nothing, that's what you will get.
The good news is that everyone is capable of change. You have to want it, expect to get it and be willing to accept it. You have to be willing to let go of what you presently have and replace it with something new. This may mean temporarily moving into a temporary void or chaos. But only when that sufficient space is created can a new vision be allowed to take form.
Are you up for the challenge?
Why wait when you can create? THINK about it.
Article by: Nisandeh Neta, founder of
Open Circles, an international center for personal-growth and
leadership.
Visit http://www.opencircles.nl
to learn more about how you can make a difference, through living
your dreams.
