How To Be Optimistic And Happy In 5 Easy Steps
By Michael Lee

Learning how to be optimistic and happy can be the key to living a content, enlightened and peaceful way of life. Since we are often faced with trials and stresses, it is very important to have a positive state of mind all the time.

Here are 5 simple steps on how to be happy and optimistic to help you get through every day with lightness in your heart.

Step 1: Realize That The World Is Not Against You.

And not everything is out to get you. Happiness and optimism are a state of mind. When you can't change or control the circumstances you're in, you can choose to see them in a different point of view.

Knowing how to be happy and optimistic means you choose to respond positively to the things around you, no matter how terrible they may seem. Learn to accept your current circumstances and find the good side of everything.

Step 2: Identify The Source Of Your Pessimism.

There are times that you can't really help but feel negative about your situation. What you should do is think about why you feel that way.

Do you feel stressed and worried at work? Are your relationships putting a strain on you? Do you find it hard to handle the responsibilities of everyday? Only when you have identified the problem can you take action to eliminate it.

Step 3: Release Past Mistakes And Regrets

The past does not equal the future. We all have regrets, things we could have done differently or things we shouldn't have done at all. Don't let mistakes of the past bring you down.

Remember, we all make mistakes. Knowing how to be optimistic and happy means that you also understand that the past is past. It's not in your power to change it and the best that you can do is to learn from it.

Step 4: Be A Balanced Optimist.

It isn't healthy to think that everything will go your way either. The key is to keep a balance. Be realistic. Accept that obstacles are bound to come your way. Keep in mind that what matters is how you deal with them.

Step 5: Avoid Negative People.

If this is not possible, don't let them get to you. Misery loves company, so be sure that you mingle with people who can encourage and support you to be more cheerful and hopeful.

Learning how to be optimistic and happy can be a breeze if you only accept that challenges, pain, failures and disappointments are parts of life; but you can minimize them if you want to. Life is short; so don't waste it by being negative and cynical.