Comedian Steven Wright recommends borrowing money from pessimists -- they don't expect it back. A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Nowadays we’re conditioned to think that there are different types of people, some more optimistic by nature and others more pessimistic. We know that it’s better to be optimistic, but we shrug our shoulders and say “I’m just a pessimist.”
There are many cliches and witty sayings about optimism but there’s a lot more to it. Optimists are more successful and have better relationships; optimists are even likely to live longer! It sure is worthwhile to be optimistic! And after all, excessive worry won’t make things better anyway, and will only serve to distract you.
But is it possible to become an optimist if by nature you are not? The answer is, it certainly is! But as with any accomplishment of significance, it requires consistent effort and discipline.
A key to being optimistic is being able to identify something good in every situation, even the most difficult. If you’d like to become an optimist, do this: every time something seemingly negative happens to you, consciously make an effort to notice and acknowledge something good in that very situtation. (Stuck with a flat on the side of the road? At least it was during the daytime and other cars can see you!)
The Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged us to be optimistic, not only with regards to our personal experiences, but also with regard to the world at large. He taught (based on Torah lessons) that this world is intrinsically good, the bad that we see is only temporary and external.
This attitude gives us a sense of optimism and encouragement - even when the world seems to be going crazy. A positive and optimistic sense of this world allows us to dare think that one day this world will actually be different. Perhaps, after all, the world we leave for our children will truly be a better one! Such an attitude encourages us to do something good to reveal the inherent goodness of this world, instead of giving up. So go ahead and do something good - reveal the goodness that is within this world, it's the first step to becoming an optimist!