When faced with a challenge, don't give up. If you are wondering if your efforts are wasted, look at the situation objectively and ask yourself what you can do to enhance your chances of success. An optimist will keep trying, work hard and as such are more likely to succeed. They do not assume they are doomed to fail as soon as they hit an obstacle. So be persistent and be patient.

Harsh as this may sound, try to remember it's not all about you. In other words, as you go through your day, try to remember that everybody has their own set of issues, concerns, hopes and dreams. Their actions may have nothing to do with you at all. You can release yourself from a lot of anguish by taking this viewpoint, as you are not creating worries for yourself unnecessarily.

When bad things happen to optimists, they don't expect it to last. Start training your brain so that when stressful, difficult situations come up, you tell yourself that you will get through it and that the situation will not last. Is there anything practical you can do to help you through the situation sooner? This technique can apply to small things like waiting for a delayed train (realise it will come eventually, rather than it's never going to arrive)as well as large events such as messing up an important job interview (know you can do better and resolve to learn from what went wrong previously).

Do you ever have the same argument over and over, whether with your partner or your children, and there's no apparent resolution? Try to take the time to step into their shoes. Think of at least three reasons why their opinion may be valid. You do not have to agree with them, but it may help you to become more open to their point of view. Remember, everyone is entitled to an opinion, even if it is different to yours.

Integrity is about expressing outwardly the person you really are on the inside. So ask yourself: "would my partner recognise me if they were observing me at work?" "would my boss recongise me sat with my family at the dinner table?" Obviously we take on different roles as we go through life, but within each, it is important to be yourself.