For years, scientists believed that our temperament was hardwired by the time we reached adulthood. We were told that if you were a “natural-born pessimist,” that was simply your biological destiny.

When it comes to how you view the world and your everyday experiences, you probably fall into one of two categories: optimist or pessimist. For people with pessimistic tendencies, or a “glass ...

Staying focused can feel like a monumental task when life gets overwhelming. Distractions creep in, and setbacks sap your motivation. But optimism, the belief that things can improve, and progress is ...