Perception, as we know, is often our reality. Life happens around us and there's often a lot more that we don't have control over, compared to what we do.
That being said, having a good day, or a bad one, is often determined by your perception.
We're not completely optimistic as we get going in 2018, but we're far more likely to have a good day than a bad one. Pew Research recently wrapped up a world-wide study of how we perceive our day. On any given day. In the US we answered:
- 49 percent typical
- 44 percent good
- 6 percent bad
Not bad.
We're nearly eight times more likely to have a good day compared to a bad one. And how do we compare to other developed nations? The average of other developed countries looks like this:
- 73 percent typical
- 22 percent good
- 6 percent bad
So, we're twice as likely to say we're having a good day.
For all of the negatives we often dwell on, it's a reminder that we've got it better than just about anywhere else. As an aside, we have more reasons to feel good starting 2018.
The economy is the best in 12 years and we're averaging the best year over year increase in net take home pay (7 percent+ raises & tax cuts) in 32 years. Here's to today being a great day!