Lightning Strikes Twice

Interesting outline from book outlines on "learned optimism":

Changing from Pessimism to Optimism

When to use Optimism

• If you are in an achievement situation (e.g. selling, writing a book)
• If you are concerned about how you will feel
• If the situation is likely to be protracted, and your physical health is an issue
• If you want to lead, inspire, or win votes

When to use Pessimism

• If your goal is to plan for a risky and uncertain future
• If your goal is to counsel others whose future is dim, do not use optimism initially
• If you want to appear sympathetic, don't start with optimism, though using it later once confidence and empathy are established will help

If the cost of failure is high, optimism is the wrong strategy.

The outline also has other approaches to how to utilise optimism and pessimism, and why society is harbouring more depression now than ever before.  Could be a good book to read in detail.