Lessons for Living
Three Ways to Be More Positive

Pessimists, however, look at the same setback and say, "This is terrible. I'll never get over it. It just ruins everything. I don't have what it takes for this business." This attitude withers motivation and leads to despair and self-blame.

Which style is yours? If you take the pessimistic approach, you may be making harmful self-fulfilling prophecies, predicting failure, and robbing yourself of energy and drive.

If you're plagued by pessimism, give your attitude an overhaul. It just takes awareness and effort. Start by looking at what are called the three P's of pessimism -- permanent, pervasive and personal.

If you think the situation is permanent, you believe it's unchangeable and the consequences will last forever. If you allow the problem to be pervasive, it will negatively affect every area of your life. If you take the situation personally, you feel it's a reflection of your flaws or failure.

Learn to challenge these three P's.

• PERMANENT: Always look to see what can be changed or salvaged -- the old making lemonade from lemons approach.

• PERVASIVE: Focus on the specific situation and don't generalize. Don't let one small, isolated problem become like a wildfire roaring through your life affecting everything.

• PERSONAL: Don't personalize events with self-blame. Accept legitimate responsibility and learn from mistakes but don't beat yourself up for every setback.

The key to changing your pessimistic outlook is learning that you can change it. Accepting this truth is the first step to personal growth. Next, focus on your strengths. Acknowledge your positive efforts, and you'll start living better and happier.