I used to be one of the ‘glass half empty’ people. I would look at the negative side of things. I’d crib and moan about the various obstacles in my way. I never understood the people who were bubbly and happy all the time, the ones who would take everything in their stride and never bat an eye when the world threw problems at them. I always thought they were naïve fools. I was sarcastic and cynical and though I would never have admitted it, I was envious of the ‘fools’ who seemed to be genuinely happy. It took me a long time to realize how wrong I was, and that I was the fool, the fool who misunderstood. I used to think that the people who were always looking at the positive side of things were silly and did not understand the harsh reality of the world. I realized that they understood reality perfectly and chose not to let it bring them down. It is easy to be negative when things are going wrong but it requires great strength to see the positive when it seems the entire universe is plotting against you.

A positive outlook helps you focus. It is very difficult to find a solution when you are constantly distracted by the failures around you. If you think of something good it gives you clarity of mind and a much better chance of figuring out a solution. It is important to remember that it is our strengths and not our weaknesses that help us move forward. When something goes wrong don’t think of them as problems and obstacles; think of them as challenges and opportunities. This way you won’t feel defeated and depressed, you’ll feel inspired and energetic. A practical way of explaining a ‘positive outlook’ is: ‘Focus on the good and deal with the bad.’