Take these steps to embrace an optimistic outlook.

Become aware of what you are telling yourself about your situation or circumstances. Assess your current level of optimism. Take a hard look at your pessimistic mental activity and how it shapes your experience.

List Your Current Level of Optimism on a Scale of 1-5 ___________

What can you do today to raise it to the next level on the scale:

1)

2)

3)

Some Helpful Information to Boost Your Level

--Develop an optimistic interpretation of your situation. 

When trouble hits, take the long view; remind yourself that it is only temporary. Expect your troubles to be short-lived and they are more likely to be.

--Eliminate the explanatory style that pessimists use.

Pessimists tend to get carried away, convincing themselves that any bad effects will be permanent.

--Recognize and reform pessimistic thoughts.

Make a deliberate effort to direct the mental traffic in your head. Most people are completely unaware of their self-talk. 

--Use positive reframing to handle problems and disappointments.

Shift your focus away from what's troubling about the situation, and search intensely for what's potentially good.

--Make gratitude and forgiveness a habit.

These two techniques are valuable not only for what they bring that's positive, but also for the negatives that they prevent or displace.  Remember, forgiveness can be difficult, but it sets you free to spend your thoughts on something much more positive than vengeance or anger.

--Play to your signature strengths.

Allow yourself to flourish by applying yourself to what you are naturally good at.  Try to shape your work so that every day it draws on your best potential.

--Act the way you want to feel.