From the life of Gordon B. Hinckley Prophet of Heavenly Father

Chapter 3: Cultivating an Attitude of Happiness and a Spirit of Optimism

“Be believing. Be happy. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley’s mother, Ada Bitner Hinckley, often said that “a happy attitude and smiling countenance could boost one over almost any misfortune and that every individual was responsible for his own happiness.”¹ His father, Bryant S. Hinckley, also had an “inherently positive outlook.”² President Hinckley recalled, “When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my father would say: ‘Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve.’”³ Influenced by his parents’ counsel and example, young Gordon Hinckley learned to approach life with optimism and faith.

Even when many people are negative and pessimistic, we can cultivate a spirit of happiness and optimism.

Rather than dwell on our problems, we can let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless us.

The gospel of Jesus Christ gives us a reason for gladness.

The gospel is a message of triumph to be embraced with enthusiasm, affection, and optimism.

With knowledge that we are all children of God, we can stand a little taller, rise a little higher, and be a little better.