Not only do optimists have a life span of 11% to 15% longer than the average human, but they are also more likely to live to the age of 85 or older. What exactly is optimism? Optimism is defined as an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In other words, optimism is thinking on the bright side. Pessimism, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. Someone who focuses on the negatives in life takes on the role of a pessimist. Optimism can positively affect ones’ mental and physical health, while pessimism may do the opposite. You cannot go wrong with positivity. Not only do optimistic people see the bright side of a situation, but they think about what they did to cause the situation to have the outcome that it did. This allows for success in the lives of those who hope for the best. Though pessimism is very prominent in today’s society, optimism serves as the most important factor in achieving the dreams you imagine due to the fact that optimistic people are more driven, optimism leads you in the right direction, and optimism allows one to create dreams for themselves.