To advocate and create opportunities for yourself, you must think positively. What positions you for success is a “seize the day” mentality. Here are five ways to help you be optimistic and create career success for you in the new year:

1. Think about the possibility, not the probability.

In the working world, many decisions are driven by the likelihood of success. Probability drives the companies venture capitalists will invest in, what compounds pharmaceutical companies will spend research and development money on and what restaurants will put on their menus. Decisions based on probability (alone) box you in.

Possibility, on the other hand, allows you to expand your thinking and not be confined to business or social constructs. Actress Audrey Hepburn reminds you that, “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible.’” Possibility always exists, while probability may be low or high.

If you have an idea or want something, don’t immediately say “no” based on the probability of you achieving it. Be positive. Think of the possibility, and go after what you want.

2. Create the opportunity when it is not presented.

Sometimes, you are not invited to the party. You may not be asked to attend a meeting or tapped to apply for a job. Just because you have not been asked or encouraged to do something, doesn’t mean you are undeserving or unqualified.

Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm said, “If you don’t have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Don’t wait to be asked, or you could be waiting a long time. When you create opportunity for yourself, you allow for possibility. And possibility is exciting.

3. Fail to succeed.

As I heard Thrive Global founder and CEO Arianna Huffington say at the 2017 Propelify Innovation Festival, “Failure is not the opposite of success but a stepping stone to success.” To make progress, you have to come to a dead end sometimes. Failure is part of the process.

Think about how dietitians preach that the key to being healthy is a well-balanced diet. The same thing applies to having a healthy professional career. Wins and losses are ingredients of a healthy career. Failure is baked into the equation and helps you to better appreciate your successes. And if you are not failing at all, ask yourself if you are taking enough risks and, by doing so, advancing.

4. See your talent in the criticism.

Feedback can hurt, especially when it exposes a weakness. It is natural to want to be perfect. The reality is that you are not. You cannot avoid having weaknesses.

You can, however, see strengths in your weaknesses. Let’s say people think you are impatient, for example. Impatience is another way of saying you are on a quest for action. Or someone says you are bossy. You say you like to take charge and lead. Or people think you tend to exaggerate. You say that is what makes you a great storyteller.

Criticism hurts when you allow weaknesses to define you. But if you see the strengths behind the criticism, as well as room for improvement, self-awareness can make you a better, more positive professional.

5. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others.

Having a role model and a goal is great, but not when this sets you up to be constantly comparing yourself with others. Don’t compare your career with the career of others. Try not to focus on other people’s promotions, another person’s salary or the organizations for whom a person has worked. You are your own person. You will achieve greatness and feel better when you stay true to yourself and not try to be someone else.

Optimism is critical to a successful career and life. To be your best advocate and allow opportunities to come your way, train yourself to think positively.