It depends on your focus. When something bad happens to you, see that as a chance to learn something you didn’t know. When another person makes a mistake, see that as an opportunity to be kind, forgiving, and understanding. The past is just training; it doesn’t define you. Think about what went wrong, but only in terms of how you will make sure that next time you will get it right. Optimism—rational, reasoned, justifiable optimism—is contagious. And very, very likable.
