#2 reason to smile!

Optimists are more successful.

As famous educator, philosopher and diplomat Nicholas Murray Butler wisely observed, “optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.” Indeed, some research has shown optimists to be more successful than equally talented pessimists in sports and politics.

Why the higher achievement? For one, optimists have faith in their ability to accomplish. Even when situations go awry, positive thinkers are not so easily disheartened by the setbacks. They are more likely to be determined, decisive and persistent. Instead of wallowing in negative thoughts, optimists are inspired by their positive vision, and thus are more likely to achieve success because of it.

#3 reason to smile!

Optimists are happier.

Numerous researches have shown that positive emotions such as optimism, hope and trust have a direct influence on how satisfied you are with your life. But we hardly need scientific proof to tell us that the two are connected: Optimists live their lives expecting good things to happen – what could be more joyous than that? When they encounter problems, they see negative events as minor setbacks to be easily overcome. And because of their belief in themselves, they tend to experience less stress when things don't turn out as well as they expected.