Scientific research has come up with a long list of benefits to being optimistic. Here are just a few:

1. Optimism is associated with better health and a longer life.
2. Research has shown that practicing optimism and gratitude causes (not just correlates with) an increase in happiness.
3. The army teaches soldiers to be optimistic because it makes them tougher and more persistent.
4. Being socially optimistic — expecting people to like you — makes people like you more.
5. Expecting a positive outcome from negotiations made groups more likely to come to a deal and to be happy with it.
6. Optimists are luckier. Research shows by thinking positive they persevere and create more opportunities for themselves.
7. Optimistic salespeople are more successful.

The list goes on and on. Being optimistic is one of the ten things I recommend you do every day and something associated with great lives.

Read more: http://bakadesuyo.com/2014/07/how-to-be-optimistic/

Want to be more positive? When problems arise, dispute negative thoughts by making sure your explanations are

1. Transitory, not permanent.
2. Specific, not pervasive.
3. And the causes are external, not “all-my-fault.”

Pessimism can be a useful tool when the downside is big, but used as your default it makes life feel futile and hopeless.

And what does research say predicts achievement better than intelligence, grades or personality?

Hope.

There’s a reason pessimism brings us down: human nature is designed to hope and strive, not to be fearful and defensive.

Yes, pessimism might be slightly more accurate — but it’s no way to live a life.

Read more: http://bakadesuyo.com/2014/07/how-to-be-optimistic/

i love the image!  it looks like a t-shirt... i need it!

It would make a fine tee shirt.