According to Dr. Martin E. Seligman, former president of the American Psychological Association and Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, optimists have three common traits. They view adversity in their lives as temporary and specific (not permeating all other aspects of their life). They view adversity in their lives as external and not entirely their fault. And they are not defeated by setbacks. Those who have an optimistic outlook will roll with the punches, will be more proactive and persistent, and will not abandon hope.