How to Be an Optimist 

Talk to yourself kindly and with encouragement.

Slow down; stop, think, and make healthy decisions for yourself.

Think about about the silver lining when something you do not like is happening.  Bad things happen; find the good and learn from mistakes.  

Assign blame or responsibility based on facts, not emotions.

Avoid thinking about an exaggerated worst thing that might happen.

Tone the negative language down.  "It is disappointing that I missed the bus." instead of "Missing the bus is a disaster!!"

Work on doing better without berating yourself.  We all make mistakes; we all have weaknesses and that is okay.  

Give yourself realistic goals and set up steps for making long-term goals.  

Count your blessings and emphasize your strengths.