Positive thinking helps us to be healthier, more productive and ultimately happier. Yet for most of us it is hard to practice optimism on a regular basis. By now the benefits of positive thinking are well established. Sages, psychologists, neuroscientists, researchers and doctors all have been espousing the benefits of positive thinking for hundreds of years. I am fascinated by the human quest to understand the underpinnings of positive thinking. From Epictetus to Ralph Waldo Emerson to Buddha to Dr. Martin Seligman to Oprah, I seek every bit of inspiring wisdom I can to practice optimism. Here are my seven essential mantras that I find helpful to keep myself on a positive track.