Intuitive diagnosis is reliable when people have a lot of relevant feedback. But people are very often willing to make intuitive diagnoses even when they're very likely to be wrong.

Optimistic people play a disproportionate role in shaping our lives. Their decisions make a difference; they are inventors, entrepreneurs, political and military leaders - not average people. They got to where they are by seeking challenges and taking risks.

It is only a slight exaggeration to say that happiness is the experience of spending time with people you love and who love you.

When action is needed, optimism, even of the mildly delusional variety, may be a good thing.

In essence, the optimistic style involves taking credit for successes but little blame for failures.

Establish a closing ritual. Know when to stop working. Try to end each work day the same way, too. Straighten up your desk. Back up your computer. Make a list of what you need to do tomorrow.

If you care about being thought credible and intelligent, do not use complex language where simpler language will do.