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Generally speaking, having a more positive outlook is linked to seeing the bright side of things rather than the dark side, but it may also be associated with other personality traits like decisiveness, fun, and inventiveness.
According to a recent test of 2,000 Americans, 58% of respondents thought the glass was half-full and 16% thought it was half-empty when they saw an image of a glass with an equal amount of liquid and empty space (the rest of the respondents were indecisive).
Although more optimistic, glass half-full thinkers also tended to be more patient, competitive, flexible, and playful than glass half-empty thinkers, according to the survey.
Additionally, they reported spending 21 hours a week on hobbies and had 11 “better than average days” every month.
However, compared to their half-full counterparts, glass half-empty thinkers tended to be more relaxed, introspective, serious, and prideful.
Interestingly, people who were pessimistic did not necessarily identify as such. Indeed, almost half (48%) of people who see the bright side of things think they’re more optimistic than pessimistic.
Glass-half-full respondents find it easier to see the bright side of personal failures, and nearly half of all respondents (46%) say they’re making an effort to be more upbeat on a daily basis.
In addition, they reported having nine “better than average days” per month and engaging in hobbies for 14 hours a week, which is 33% less than the other group.
People who have a positive outlook and devote more time to their interests may be more upbeat because they make more time for enjoyment. Compared to respondents who saw things as half-empty, those who think more positively reported about 10% more days each month that they ranked as “better than average” (11 days vs. 9 days).
Although most respondents in both categories felt that excellent days begin with great mornings, those who are more prone to think positively are 39% more likely to identify as morning people.
