We have learned to explain the world using these beliefs so well that the explanations are automatic. Third, examine the consequences of having that belief. Fifth, generally, the consquences of negative beliefs are negative things, which often involve withdrawl from the situation and decresed enthusiasm for the situation or activity. Thus, changing the beliefs often leads to an energization, such that the person feels good about what they are doing and they are looking forward to where they are going to go from here. Optimism is not intended to be simplistic positive thinking.
Optimism is about thinking non-negatively, rather than thinking positively.
But he does suggest that using optimism selectively will lead to a better quality of life for all involved, and that optimism can be learned.