Some people seem to be born with natural "temperaments" that make them happier and more extroverted than others. But even if you were born with a temperament that tends to be naturally more introverted and pessimistic, it is possible to change and be happier.

How? Just do it. Yes - even if you don't feel "happy" act happy. Pretending that you are self-confident and optimistic has been proven to actually make you a happier, more confident and optimistic person.

How can pretending make it so? Haven't we learned from childhood that wishing it so doesn't make it so? Perhaps. But behaviors and attitudes are in many ways just habits. Being happy is a habit. Habits are strengthened by practice. Practicing the skills discussed in this Pathway -

• recognizing and disputing pessimistic or negative thoughts
• more accurately assessing which situations in your life you can change if you want to
• choosing to behave in ways that are consistent with your values - even under stress
• replacing pessimistic thinking with optimistic thinking

will strengthen the habits that will make you a happier person. The more you practice, the less artificial it will feel and the more natural it will be come.

Click below to learn more about how to be more outgoing.