Stephen Shaner: Ever wonder how some people always seem so positive? Their secret is in the art of awesome thinking.

Ever wonder how some people always manage to stay positive, no matter what life throws at them? It’s like they have this secret superpower that keeps them upbeat when everything seems to be going wrong. But here’s the thing: it’s not magic or luck. According to Stephen Shaner, author of The Art of Being Awesome: Proven Techniques to Add to Your Attitude Palette, it all comes down to “awesome thinking.” And no, it’s not about pretending everything’s perfect or faking a smile. It’s about learning to train your mind to find the good in even the toughest situations.

Think about those people who always bounce back from setbacks. They’ve figured out how to change the way they see challenges. Instead of getting stuck in the negative, they ask themselves, “What can I learn from this?” or “How can this help me grow?” Shaner calls this reframing—it’s all about flipping your perspective. These people aren’t immune to frustration or bad days, but they’ve trained themselves to focus on solutions and growth, which helps them stay resilient.

Gratitude also plays a huge role in their mindset. I know it sounds cliché, but there’s real power in being thankful for the little things. People with this positive outlook make it a habit to appreciate the small stuff—whether it’s a hot cup of coffee, a friendly smile, or just the fact that they made it through a tough day. Shaner explains that focusing on gratitude helps keep you grounded and stops you from getting caught up in what’s going wrong.

One of the biggest tricks? They manage their self-talk. We all have that inner voice that can sometimes be a little too critical. But awesome thinkers are really good at catching that negativity and turning it around. Instead of tearing themselves down when they make a mistake, they give themselves grace and encouragement. This doesn’t just boost their confidence—it helps them recover faster from setbacks and keep that positive energy going.

But here’s the kicker: awesome thinking isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about doing something with that energy. The people Shaner talks about aren’t just sitting around waiting for life to get better. They’re out there setting goals, taking action, and creating the life they want. That momentum keeps them positive because they’re actively shaping their reality.

And the best part? You can learn to do this, too. Shaner says it’s all about practice. Start by paying attention to your thoughts, finding things to be grateful for, and flipping your perspective on challenges. Over time, it’ll become second nature, and you’ll be one of those people who always seems to have a positive vibe, no matter what life throws at you.