You mistake optimism for being positive and you’re looking on the wrong scale. Let me explain.
Optimism is a long term game. It’s a macro perspective. It’s being patient with yourself and the people around you. It’s being aware of that everything’s going to be all right.
Positive on the other hand, is a feeling. It’s a micro perspective. It’s feeling good about something. It’s a hype.
In order to become an optimist, you have to look at it on the macro.