Although one’s experiences are a consequence of one’s past deeds, that does not mean that the individual has no choice or that there is no room for initiative to change… One should not become passive and try to excuse oneself from having to take personal initiative on the grounds that everything is a result of Karma, because if one understands the concept of Karma properly, one will understand that Karma means “action…” So what type of future will come about, to a large extent, lies within our own hands in the present. It will be determined by the kind of initiatives that we take now. 

Investigators have found that even an artificially induced frown or smile tends to induce the corresponding emotions of anger or happiness; this suggests that just “going through the motions” and repeatedly engaging in a positive behaviour can eventually bring about genuine internal change. 

On living a Spiritual Life

His Holiness the Dalai Lama