You probably know someone who always seems to maintain a “glass-half-full” mentality no matter what happens. And you might wish you could handle your own failing grade or fight with a friend the same way. It feels unfair at times. But optimism is a learned skill, not something you’re born with—which means it’s a muscle you can flex to make stronger. It’s all about choosing a helpful explanation for whatever is happening—one that allows you to grow and look at the bigger picture. For example, if you do poorly on a test for your honors class, you might assume it means you’re not smart enough to be in the class at all. You end up feeling bad about yourself, hopeless about the class, and ready to give up. Instead, you can exercise optimism by looking at it as a specific incident that can be overcome with a bit of extra work. After all, it’s a challenging class! Studies show that people who are optimistic experience better health, improved work performance, and for students in particular, higher grades. It is good for your emotional health not just while you’re in school, but also whenever you face a setback.