[header] How to be optimistic in a pessimistic world [title] See the good. [step] Working to see the good in situations can help you feel more optimistic simply because you aren't focused on the bad. Studies suggest that looking for the good in situations can decrease rates of cancer and mortality and can contribute to better cardiovascular health. 
When you find yourself focusing on the negative in a situation, try to think of what the opposite reaction would be and focus on that instead. [substeps] Say, for example, you get into a car accident that totals your car.