Those of us who tend to be somewhat negative about life often see the optimists around us as airheads. After all, if you always expect the worst, you can never be disappointed, right?
But optimism's been scientifically proven as a way to become happier, healthier and even more attractive to the opposite sex. Recent research suggests an optimistic state comes from a series of active inner processes, which is good news, because it means we can change our outlook with practice.
Here are a few ideas:
Coping when life seems unfair
Sometimes it seems nothing's going your way. In such situations, you can choose to ask: "Why me?" - or you can look for what your life's trying to tell you. The choice you make means the difference between a life of anger and frustration, or one of joy.
Firstly, take responsibility for yourself, your actions and your life - of course, many things that go wrong are beyond your control, but there are also many things you can control.
Secondly, don't allow yourself to wallow in self-pity or adopt a victim mentality - that will only imprison you in your situation. See yourself as a survivor, worthy of the challenges being thrown down before you, and tackle them head on.
Finally, shift the way you see the world: see it as your oyster, not your prison. You can choose how to shape your own world, if you'll only have a positive outlook and learn to take the advice and support offered by other people.
Remember, half the trick of overcoming difficulties is adjusting the magnitude our minds give them!