Pessimists can learn to change attitudes and be more optimistic. Not only do they become healthier, but they also get more happiness from life in doing so.

Being an optimist is not always an approach that you can take in light of difficulty or adversity, however. If you want to focus on achievement, focus on improving morale, inspire, or teach, Dr. Seligman recommends an optimistic approach. However, pessimism also has a certain place, and even some benefits. Even the very optimistic can become pessimistic at times. Pessimism does have a way of looking at things realistically, which some optimists may fail to do.