As financial times get tougher, many people find it hard to keep a positive attitude. Jean talks with Hale Dwoskin, creator of the Sedona Method and teacher of The Secret, about letting go of negativity and changing your life.

According to Hale, the Sedona Method is a simple, powerful technique to release unwanted thoughts and feelings that are holding you back. "It's a natural way to get out of your own way," he explains. Most of us know we should be more optimistic, Hale says, but because of our tendency to suppress emotions, we have a hard time thinking positively.

Hale believes that all obstacles can be resolved with the right intelligence. "Any kind of habit—financial, diet, relationships—boils down to the emotional core you're holding inside," he says. Dissolving that emotional logjam involves asking yourself a series of questions:

1. Could you let it go?
2. Would you let it go?
3. When?

If you're willing to be open to optimism, Hale says you'll find that it becomes more natural than suppressing your emotions. "If you just open inside and let go, your whole physiology starts to change," he says. "Your mind clears, your body relaxes, you feel more open, alive, and at ease—much more able to handle life's challenges."