Default State

default setting: (noun)

(1) a setting that is automatically given to a software application, computer program or device

(2) the way in which someone normally behaves and reacts

What’s your default state? (Or default setting.)

For many, it’s fear or pessimism.  Some of that’s wiring. As not so long ago (about 10,000 years), being devoured by a sabre-tooth tiger was still a real threat. Fear served us well then.

And the media does a phenomenal job of preying (pun intended) on that primal fear.

But what happens if we choose courage or optimism as our default state?

How would we feel?

How would we treat each other?

How would we respond to another person’s behavior?

How would we view and then react to the external events (of which we have no control) that occur?

What changes would we make?

What could we accomplish?

If pessimism is your default state, try switching to optimism. Do it for a day. Or a week. See what happens. (I promise, no sabre-tooth tigers will get you.)