Good vibes to start 2018 - We're far more likely to have a good day than most of the world:
Bottom Line: 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 can. That being said having a good day, or a bad one, is often determined by your perception of it. Jimmy Buffet sung of changes in latitudes and changes in attitudes. That's probably a good theme for this story. 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. According to us.
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% Typical
- 44% Good
- 6% 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% Typical
- 22% Good
- 6% 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 twelve years and we're averaging the best year over year increase in net take home pay (7%+ raises & tax cuts) in 32 years. Here's to today being a great day!