The Key to happiness is managing expectations – that’s a lifelong motto of mine.  In my experience we are happy or sad based on having our expectations met, unmet or discounted.   

A attitude of “the glass is always half empty” may be a drab way to live but it seems it is a stress free path. A new study out of England conducted an interesting computer game test to prove the point.

The UK Telegraph reports scientists had students play a computer game where they turned over rocks to find out if they had snakes underneath. If they found a snake they received a mild electric shock. Over time, participants learned which rocks were more likely to have snakes underneath, and sometimes even knew they would definitely find a snake no matter which rock they chose. I’ll spare you the details of the scientific calculations and jump to the conclusion.

Science says uncertainty is what leaves people feeling anxious and having difficulty coping, while accepting the inevitable brings a sense of calm.  In other words, knowing you are getting a snake shock is easier to adjust to than worrying IF you are going to get a snake shock or any other of life’s many disappointments or disasters!

The take away from the study is described as this –“having a gloomy outlook could have a positive impact on overall mental well being.”   Who knew?!

Ian Walton
Ian Walton
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