Includes bibliographical references and index.

Trade being your own worst enemy to become your own best supporter -- Deal with the hand you're dealt -- Your choice : victim or resilient survivor -- The optimistic power of purpose -- Optimists update their gifts into recyclable assets -- Your health habits impact your attitude -- Optimists embrace action -- Optimists dispute catastrophic thoughts -- Optimists give thanks for gratitude -- Optimists provide constructive self-criticism -- Managing your own motivation means catching yourself being effective -- Simple pleasures : the optimist's wild card -- Humor is the joker in the hand of life -- Build an optimistic network that works -- How to become optimistic in life-- by really trying.