How to Be Optimistic

Some days are easy to fly through with a wink and a smile, but other days leave us frustrated, depressed and about ready to throw in the towel. Nobody's perfect. Optimism is a hard attitude to maintain on this roller-coaster of life, but there are ways to cultivate it and enjoy life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Start early. A quick way to integrate optimism into your life is to begin your day with a positive thought. As you throw off the covers and head for the shower, you should say, "Yes. A new day to look forward to," rather than, "Ugh. Here we go again. Life is so hard. Will this ever end?"
2. Strengthen your goals and pursue them aggressively. Goals should be hard to achieve but not impossible. Constantly persevering toward your goals forces you to be optimistic because you are always looking forward instead of looking back or down.
3. Change your facial expressions and tone. Eye contact, a smile and a cheery tone will do wonders for your positive thinking. You will also be surprised at how much people reciprocate your actions. Smiling at someone usually earns you a smile in return. A positive exchange creates optimism, whether you realize it or not.
4. Depersonalize events, circumstances and personal exchanges. Remember--the world does not revolve around you. Luckily, this means you are not always entirely responsible for everything that happens. Maybe the store clerk was having a bad day. Maybe you weren't meant to get that job. Take yourself out of the situation, and you'll feel more optimistic.
5. Repel negativity. Everyone has a friend, relative or coworker who is a walking, talking bundle of complaints and pessimism. The expression, "You're dragging me down" is all too true. Avoid spending long periods of time with people who can't see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
6. Consider yourself lucky and lose the comparisons. It's hard to keep up with the Joneses, so quit trying to do it. Count your blessings, and optimism will find its way to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Medical studies have linked optimism to a stronger immune system and less stress. There seems to be a connection between being happy and being healthy.
• Always hope for the best. If you expect it, it will come.