How I did it: I basically had to sit down and find the root of why I was pessimistic in the first place. I realized that whenever I doubt myself or think in a negative way.. the root reason is fear.

Fear of disappointment, fear of failure, fear of change. All of these things lead to negative thinking.

Once I realized that I was a just a scared person and not a simply a negative person I could focus on what mattered: being brave!

I began talking to strangers just to say hi. I stopped caring whether or not I would "fail" at a given task, realizing that most people don't even try.

Lessons & tips: Surrounding yourself by positive, balanced people helps the most. Don't let others suck the optimism from (or inject fear into) your life. You can be a separate and peaceful person! You don't have to take on another person's drama as your own.

Dec 28, 2008, 08:10AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer