Optimism and pessimism are two contradictory terms. Optimism means positive thinking and keeping hope, while pessimism means negative thinking and not hoping for the good. However, who is better, an optimistic person or a pessimistic person? Who succeeds more in life? Who lives a happier and peaceful life? It is definitely an optimistic person who leads a happier and peaceful life and achieves success faster in life than a pessimistic person.
Studies show that optimism makes a greater impact on a person’s success, attitude, health, and outlook. In addition, people who are pessimistic about their life have the tendency to get sick and die earlier than optimistic people. Generally, a person starts his or her career, relationships, or any task with a positive or a negative attitude. You may say that why start if you are not convinced about the task or is in a negative frame of mind. Well, sometimes certain compulsions leave you to take up a task even if you are not willing to do so. In such cases, instead of trying to explain to people why you do not want to take up the task, think of the benefits, it can bring to you. This way you can enjoy the task and start with a positive attitude.
Being optimistic gives you many benefits. You lead a longer life, you are happier in life than others are, you achieve the desired success, you get lovely friends, you have fun in life. Here only a few have been mentioned, however, there are countless benefits that you can reap being an optimist. Not to mention, the pessimists miss all these as they spend all their time bemoaning over their failures and accusing.
To know whether you are optimistic or pessimistic, you have to know yourself. You must have the ability to listen to the voice of your heart. Think of the times when you landed up in a negative situation, and how you reacted during those times. What sort of thoughts came to your mind in those days? How you took charge of the situation. Once you get the answer to these questions, you will know whether you are a pessimistic person or not. If you are, then do the necessary to change yourself to an optimistic person. There are plenty of resources available over the Internet or books that can help you change your attitude from a pessimistic to an optimistic person. 
