How Full is Your Bucket was written around 20 years ago by Tom Rath and Don Clifton.
Psychological theories wax and wane with fashion.
For me, though, there’s a lot to be said for visualising, hearing or feeling the drip-feed of positivity into my mind and body. Just like having my very own fuel gauge.
I’ve always wanted one. But I’ll put up with a bucket instead!
Theory of the Dipper and the Bucket #
According to the Theory:
“Each of us has an invisible bucket. It is constantly emptied or filled, depending on our daily interactions with others. When our bucket if full, we feel great. We are productive. We make a positive impact. However, when it is empty, we feel down. We are deflated.
Each of us also has an invisible dipper. When we do or say things that increase positive emotions in others, we are using that dipper to fill their buckets. Conversely, when we are negative, we are using that dipper to decrease others’ positive emotions by dipping from their bucket.
A full bucket gives us a positive outlook and renewed energy. Every drop in that bucket makes us stronger and more optimistic.
An empty bucket poisons our outlook, saps our energy and undermines our will. That’s why every time someone dips from our bucket, it hurts us.
However, this works both ways. When we fill others’ buckets, our bucket is also filled. And when we dip from others’ buckets, our own bucket is emptied in turn. So we face a choice every moment of every day. We can fill one another’s buckets, or we can dip from them. It’s an important choice – one that profoundly influences our relationships, productivity, health and happiness.”
5:1 #
The magic ratio – 5:1.
Usually, people remember positive or negative moments – neutral moments do not stay in their minds. The optimum ratio to keep positive and negative moments in balance is 5 positive interactions for every 1 negative interaction.
I hope I have, in some way, helped to lift your mood.
Thank you for reading.
