You can acquire optimism and significantly improve your life. Are you an optimist or a pessimist? How do you feel if a friend says something that hurts your feelings? How often do you take on exciting new projects or celebrate your successes? Now psychologist Martin E.P. Seligman, one of the world's experts on motivation, shows you how to chart a new approach to living with "flexible optimism." In this groundbreaking guide, based on over twenty years of clinical research, Dr. Seligman outlines easy-to-follow techniques that have helped thousands of people rise above pessimism and the depression that accompanies negative thoughts. LEARNED OPTIMISM shows you how to: Recognize your "explanatory style"- what you say to yourself when you experience setbacks-and how it influences your life * Boost your mood-and your immune system-with healthful thoughts * Help your children by practicing the patterns of thought that encourage optimism at an early age-at home * Stick to your diet or resolve a difficult business deal: break the "I-give-up" habit with Dr. Seligman's ABC techniques * Change your interior dialogue and experience the astonishing positive results.