Thinking Sideways while moving ahead

I signed up for an online writing course a few weeks ago. It's called How To Think Sideways, and so far it's been fun, interesting, and has me doing a little introspection for a mind-mapping exercise. I'm looking at different things that I find compelling, that evoke strong emotional responses in me personally, and it's been eye-opening.

Attorneys have a reputation for being pessimistic, for playing it safe, for avoiding risks, etc. That pretty much describes me to a T. I'm a habitual worrier, but I didn't used to be. Didn't think of myself that way, anyhow.

Let's just say that between this and some other things I've been doing, I'm trying to get over my habitual negativity and back to that boundless optimism I had when I was younger. Economy down? Economies go up, economies go down, but opportunities are there no matter what the prevailing economy is.

Right? Right. Now I just need to convince myself.