Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society – from entrepreneurs and investors to artists and creatives who believe in something and are optimistic enough to risk their time, money, and reputation. We asked some of the most optimistic folks we know where they think they get their optimism form.

Katie Kurpanek

One of the things that makes me stand out amongst the voices fighting climate change and pushing for more sustainable living is that I’m a die-hard optimist. Most of the conversations and media we take in today regarding the state of our earth can be very doom-and-gloom or scary– and don’t get me wrong, I am anxious quite often about where we’re headed, but I have to actively choose hope. I surround myself with people (and stories of people) who are working tirelessly to make a positive impact on our planet and there are COUNTLESS records of this all around us. Read more>>

Elle Monus

Let’s face it, optimism is super hard for a lot of us- especially when we are constantly met with a global information flow that can feel everything but optimistic. I was not pre-wired to be an optimist, in fact I pretty much planned for disaster for the first 10 years of my adult life. I eventually learned a tool that helped- asking “what if it goes well?”. I knew what would happen if it went badly. I’d already thought of every doomsday outcome and had an exit plan, but I never even considered what it looked like if I was successful at what I was trying to do. Read more>>

Kari Loth

My optimism comes from my faith in Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. His sacrifice for us makes life a great, amazing joy and adventure to live each day. My mom is also a total optimist – always finding the silver lining in storm clouds. I carry this optimism into my work as a wedding planner. Things go wrong on the wedding day because no day is perfect! But, instead of being upset that there is a storm where an outdoor wedding is supposed to be, my team keeps a positive and “can do” attitude and changes course seamlessly so the bride does not have to worry. Remember, where there is rain, there is a rainbow! Read more>>

Craig Peterman

I have always been optimistic and positive in life because I think you have to be, in order to be successful. There is always going to be doubt and negatively constantly surrounding you, so it’s important to keep a positive narrative in your head. Im a big believer in how your mental mindset affects your life and how you can make amazing things happen just simply by believing it will; which optimism plays a big role in. Read more>>

Nicola Clarke

I think from practicing gratitude. There’s so much to be grateful for and every time I hear my thoughts going down a negative path, I try to think of all the green flags in my life. Community is really important to me and something I’m truly grateful for. Moving to New York City recently, made me realize how important it is to have a sense of community. Whether it’s being kind to strangers or helping a neighbor, everyone has the ability to create their form of community and support one another. Whenever I feel alone, I think about all the people in my life who have really been there for me and I feel genuinely grateful and optimistic. Read more>>

Hunter Hill

I believe staying optimistic is the key in handling situations. In my younger days I always wanted to keep a positive outlook on things but I had a tendency of letting negative thoughts get in the way. When I was 17 years old I began reflecting on things that occurred throughout the years. The ups & downs and I began using those life lessons to teach myself that being in control of my mindset & thoughts will help me handle things in a better light. Knowing that nothing is perfect & we all have good & bad days of course however taking the moments from each day with a sense of gratitude and thankfulness with the blessings from each day is where my optimism comes from. Read more>>

EMAYLA

My optimism comes from the way I see life. If you always and only do the things you love, you will always be happy, no matter what.
Doing the things you love makes you happy and that naturally generates optimism. Read more>>

Nil Erbil

I would say optimism we born with it. Starts from childhood with your dreams . Faith is the key word to connect with optimism . We all know we are not in this world forever . Born and knowing that one day we all going to die this is a simple example for all of us . We all have faith and that connect with optimism . When I have a bad day I wait for following morning to sun comes out feels like new day brings new opening doors its a hope keep all of us going. With my experience life its simple, Energy how you inject to yourself and trust the earth its a strenght and accepting bad and goods learn and keep moving in better. Read more>>

Sofia Figueroa

Gratitude. My optimism and my ability to share love with others comes from my sense gratitude to myself and the Universe for the life I live. As a Performer and Freelancer it’s easy to fall out of a routine as shows continuously end and new ones start. However, something I always do when I wake up in the morning is a list of things I’m grateful for and a way in which I will be reminded of them throughout my day. Read more>>

Gaurav Shekhar

Opportunities make people hopeful. There is a lot of strength in hope. If you think about it, we are all somehow in control of what we want to do. There are definitely things we cannot do anything about, but there are some that we surely can influence. Resilience requires us to focus on the part where we can do something. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is; it is something that we are responsible for. Read more>>

Heather and Barbara Bourne and Westmaas

Our Optimism definitely comes from our Faith in God. Our faith allows us to expect the best possible outcome or to dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation… Although there so many sad and bad things happening in the world, we choose to focus on the good. Instead of focusing on the negative, having faith and optimism reminds us to look on the bright side ( trusting that “good things” are happening also… By nature, most people tend toward either optimism or pessimism, regardless of their relationship with God. Everyone’s glass is either “half full” or “half empty.” So, even though optimism not the same as faith in God…Our faith anchors us in trusting God to direct our paths. Read more>>

Davinci Crooks

my optimism comes from me experiencing life. the highs and the lows. I learned that if you find a way to endure hard times and stay positive good things will eventually happen. its a universal fact. i design and make cozy footwear for men and women, now getting cozy wear. its special to me because i enjoy making pieces that people can wear an it still serve a purpose. Read more>>

Kristi Neilson

Being optimistic and confident is a choice. If you choose to be, it is a very powerful tool. I think there are two ways people can deal with the hardships and traumas that unfold in their lives. One option is to succumb to them and use them as an excuse for lack in personal growth. The other option is to use your hardship as a means of growth. There will always be a silver lining to every terrible thing that happens to people. Identifying that, learning from your experiences, giving yourself grace and taking care of yourself every way you can, ensures growth. Read more>>

Dr. Jamie Bovay

While I have mostly been an optimistic the majority of my life as I have gotten older it is something I have purposefully strengthened. If you could be optimistic or pessimistic why would you choose to be pessimistic? Cautiously optimistic maybe, but pessimistic? Nah. So I’ve set out to always find the bright side of any situation and more importantly take every step possible that makes that bright side more likely to happen. And it’s interesting that when you are optimistic as well as determined to make the most positive outcome happen, it does happen more often than not. Read more>>

Ericka C. Davis

My optimism comes from once being at the bottom of the barrel- overlooked, stepped on and treated like trash. I have conquered in more situations that would have broken the average individual. From being a 15 year old teenage, runaway to running the streets of Las Vegas from 17 to 24 years to becoming the successful corporate boss and entrepreneur that I am today. I am optimistic because I come from a praying family and I know that my real strength comes from a much higher power than myself. Read more>>

DJ Ms. Eclectic

I might be a little too optimistic, I just learned recently that I’m sort of a tidsoptimist, I have too much of a positive outlook on how much time I have to prepare for something so sometimes I might be a little late. Now this refers to leisure time, not work time but I’m working on it LOL! Read more>>

CANDL

I believe that the growth of my optimism started at a very young age. Since I was a kid I’ve had it hard in life being in and out of the juvenile system which led me to being surrounded by so much negativity but also a lot of positivity. It was being curious about everyone around me especially the people that could remain positive despite numerous hardships. I can’t remember who, but there was someone who said to me that life is what we make it. which I know is an old quote or something. Read more>>

Misty Hoyt

Ultimately, optimism is a choice. However, it does come more naturally to me. My brain is wired to forget easily. This can oftentimes be a curse. But when it comes to a positive mindset, it’s a blessing. For instance, in the immediate aftermath of someone hurting my feelings, I think to myself, “They must be having a bad day.” Read more>>

Darnel Harper

Our optimism come our faith in God….also the fact that we want to work for ourselves instead of others. To develop our skills, we felt it was better to focus on a career we enjoyed versus a job we tolerate. In our line of work, we run a multi-faceted company creating graphic designs, apparels, animations, and canvas art. Our brand is to not only to create, but to explore the world of art and collaborate with other artist and people who are willing to buy our designs. Read more>>

Alison Stine

I identify as an eternal optimist. I believe that optimism is vital to get through life. We are often thrown curve balls and things don’t usually go according to plan, so it is so important to focus on the positive and what is in your control. We can easily consume ourselves with negative thoughts and dwell on past shortcomings or experiences but that only gives more power to the negativity and makes it harder to move on. Positivity is a learned behavior, I have worked to express gratitude daily – whether that is keeping a gratitude journal, sending gratitude to others, or just telling myself positive things on a daily basis. Read more>>

Lisa Peranzo

I have the best job in the world and I don’t think I’m being biased when I make that statement. Seriously, how many people get to wear comfy pants to work, be around people they adore, and have every single day be completely different? Not to mention getting to empower people to embrace their strength, and step into their confidence. All while getting paid? Not many. Read more>>

Katie Martin

Optimism: “It’s the hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.” To be honest, I’ve always been pretty optimistic my entire life, even in the bad times. I started my business when I was just 19 years old. I’ve always had support from my parent’s and I think that was the start of knowing I can be anything I want to be in this life. Especially if I put my mind to it and work hard at it. Read more>>

Tiffany Jester

As an entrepreneur, you have to have an optimistic mindset! You are going to face challenges and adversities that require you to have tough skin and an even stronger mental fortitude. It is in that season of doubt that you will have to learn to trust God fully and as well as the abilities and skill set that he’s given you to be successful. I’d have to say that I get my optimism from my mom. She’s help me to shift my perspective on how I see life and how I obtain my goals. Read more>>

Oni Gallegos

I am always feeling moments of constant happy! I have found and continue to remember that having fulfillment in life for me comes with struggles along the way, which are then included in that happiness. I would not be who I am today without doubting my creative work at some point. This challenged me to grow and push past any resistances in my head I may have been negatively feeding. I have created and begin to enjoy the beautiful relationship I have with my creative process, with yet another simple aftereffect which has been optimism. Read more>>

Lanee Bradshaw

I honestly can say the strong optimism is cultivated through trial and error. Either you decide to let situations take you out of your control or you give yourself a strong dose of “It could be worse.” I have experienced enough situations in my life to know that it could always be worse. Car accidents, major disagreements, 2020 and beyond. Life really is about choices, control and discipline. Read more>>

Breana Kennedy

There has been so much research into nature versus nurture building a person into who they are and it seems like no matter who does the study that they have found that both play a large part. That is very much the case for myself as well. I realize I am bias but my mom is the most optimistic human you will ever meet. She has lived a very full life with tons of blessings but also many hardships and the one thing you can always count on is her perseverance and ability to find the light in any darkness. Read more>>

Alexandria Tillard-Gates

To be honest, my entire life I have worked with people of color who have experienced unthinkable traumas. This has been the case on a professional level as well as a personal level. Over the years these relationships have shown me that we are all resilient and my optimism with regards to healing is because of this truth. Read more>>

Poby

 

Deep Love. When I create from my heart with love, happiness and joy, I am always optimistic. Even in extreme, or hard situations, it is the love the keeps me moving. The love for people, for art, for creating, for the little details and for life in general. Poby is a German/American visual artist based in Los Angeles, CA. After his career as a pro athlete in Germany he studied graphics, design and art, combining theses two worlds to create is unique visual style. Read more>>

Rosie Vann

My optimism comes from my authentic self. I always feel a really deep sense of gratitude. Even when challenges present themselves I have a sense of hope. I’m not sure how it came about honestly but I just always recognize that there is more good than bad. So I think it’s really just my perspective on life. Read more>>

Aaliyah Grace

My optimism ultimately comes from my Faith in God. I keep God first place in all that I do, and He plays a Big part within my business and brand. I know He has BIG in store for me, and this is only the beginning of my journey. I always try to look at the brighter side of situations, and not focus on the negative. Read more>>

L.A. Roberts

My optimism comes from a place of childlike faith. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been able to tap into a place of hope no matter the situation or circumstance. My Papa always made me believe I can do anything I put my mind to no matter what it was. If I told him I wanted to be an astronaut his answer would be ok when is your first mission to the moon. He never questioned my abilities and if it could happen. It was always when. His belief in me kept me in a beautiful space of childlike faith and now that he’s gone I stay there because that’s where I visit him in my heart. Read more>>

Sharhonda Henry

It’s really all about your attitude. I love a good affirmation quote and one of my favorites is that “that the best is yet to come!” Every day I get to wake up and have the opportunity to choose how my day will go. We get to choose if we will have a good day or a great day. Life happens and it throws you curve balls and sucker punches. But you choose how you respond. Expect the speed bumps and hurdles and adjust accordingly.  Read more>>

Tiffany Hobbs

My mother instilled in me the value of believing that “This too shall pass”. Remembering that tough times don’t last always keeps me grounded, in addition to always looking for a silver lining in almost every situation. I know if dwelling on what I can’t control doesn’t serve me in any capacity, but I CAN control how I react to things, so I choose to keep as positive a perspective as possible. Read more>>

Taya Burns

Growing up I can’t really pinpoint where my optimism came from, I can just remember being a normal, happy kid always playing outside with friends and typically positive on all fronts. As I’ve gotten to adulthood, I can absolutely attribute my optimism to my faith in God. I think labeling myself an optimist comes with misconceptions that I’m always happy or that everything is always going great which is far from the case. Read more>>

Akilah Bailey

Major moves I’ve made in life where all driven by hope and confidence. Never being the prototype yet coming out doing the unexpected and doing it well. Those things shaped my mindset, it keeps me living on hope and possibility. I started a dance exercises class, that morphed into a wellness business that influenced me to become a fitness coach. Read more>>

Makatelyn Shepherd

From the moment I understood the definition of the word, I literally can remember saying to myself “that is the word that I will always use to describe myself!” My optimism comes from God. It has to right? I mean literally the definition literally means looking on the bright side and I can not do that alone! That is how I try to live and maneuver throughout my day to day life. optimistic. I truly believe it comes not only from God, but from the optimistic people, places and things that surround me daily. Read more>>

Juan & Valentina Delcan & Izaguirre

Our Optimism comes from constantly questioning assumptions, recognizing the worth of all individuals, experiences, and even the smallest of things, such as a simple matchstick. I believe we are wired to believe that things will get better, and that we have the power to make them better. Read more>>

Rayson Esquejo

There are 7.888 billion people in the world. The future is still unwritten. You are one decision away from a completely different life. Keeping a wide perspective gives me optimism. There are hundreds of opportunities, billions of interactions, and millions of experiences out there that are within reach, we just have to be open to them. Read more>>

Christine Perez-Gray

My optimism comes from being led into grace. I know that may sound hokey for some … however it is my truth. You see for the majority of my young life into adulthood, I was a drug addict. My addiction inhibited me from the glory of this gift. I am fully aware that today, optimism is a choice. It wasn’t until at the bottom of the barrel that I realized I had never even applied the thought of optimism into action. Read more>>

Shonda Berry

I’ve been through a lot throughout my life, especially with my health. July 21, 2019 I couldn’t celebrate my birthday; I was fighting for my life. I was severely dehydrated, ulcerations and inflammation in my colon, an infection setting in from being so sick, blood loss, weight loss and I lacked potassium. I was out of it most days. Read more>>

Nick Daily (He/They)

My relationship with optimism began with my cultural and religious upbringing as the child and grandchild of Black women pastors in a non-denominational protestant Black church. And while I do not believe in the religious tenets of Christianity at this point in my life, the core teachings of Black theological thought including the centering of joy, love, justice, community, optimism, and liberation. Read more>>

Edurne Fernandez

I have always thought of myself as a very optimistic and positive person. Not only in my business, but also in my personal and professional relationships, and in my everyday life. If you ask my friends, they will tell you that I always find the silver lining in every situation, and I consider that to be one of my strengths. Read more>>

Allyson Zajac

My optimism stems from not stressing over things I can’t control. It has helped me keep a clear mind when it comes to decision making and keeps me calm in situations where it may be difficult to do so. This helps me whenever a roadblock may arise and I’m able to find the positive in whatever situation occurs. I’m not saying I’m always optimistic, but I do know how to get in the mindset of what needs to be tackled next and to make light of certain situations. Read more>>

Miguel Carmona III

For me there are two types of optimism…. false optimism and real optimism, unfortunately for a long period of my life I was caught up in the idea of false optimism or some call it unrealistic optimism.  I was taught as a child to be the best at whatever I did, whatever role I played, no matter what the cost. So optimism for me was “ as long as you’re good at something, you have the right to be optimistic about yourself, etc.”. Remember that it will play a crucial role throughout the story. Read more>>

Dom L’Amour

Life is hard. I see so many people around me looking for a spark or looking to get out of their own way. Just being the positive person in the room can change everything. “We Gon Make it” is my motto and you can ask around. My folks will tell you that. I want to be happy and I want to achieve my goals. Choosing this career path makes life hard. You hear no a lot. Even when no one is speaking you hear no. Read more>>

DeAndra Jones

My optimism is truly rooted in gratitude and the belief that things quite simply can and do get better. I always remind myself of the ways one year or season has been even better than the previous one and reasons why I’m grateful for the lessons and learnings. Regularly honing in on gratitude through prayer, meditation, journaling, and speaking it out loud to myself, loved ones and those around me keeps me hopeful, excited and ready for what’s to come, all under the guise that it will be good and serve me well. It’s a practice that’s helped me stay grounded, grateful, attract good energy and good people, especially in this current season of my life. Read more>>

Arianna Wellmoney

I like to think that I am a pretty optimistic person – I always try to see the silver lining, even in the darkest of situations. I think I have developed this skill from my family. We are all hard workers but we also joke around a lot and try to find humor in every day life struggles. Each and every one of my family member is unique in their own way but we all have in common the idea that you can always make your day better by just wanting it. Read more>>

Melanie Garibay

My optimism comes from my strong belief in living each day with gratitude and purpose. Every day in life is a blessed gift and I try not to waste time getting bogged down with all the external challenges we all face on a daily basis. I try to share positivity and happiness with everyone I encounter while always remembering that tomorrow is not a promise. We can all make a difference in someone’s life if we just try to be thoughtful, kind and respectful. Same philosophy applies to animals, and that is a core value in my company, which is why we give back to dog rescues! Read more>>

Derek Jameson

Optimism comes from knowing that every part of my experience is key to the journey. It isn’t always about things working out with ease that makes life magical. The challenging moments we have tend to be the one’s where our soul evolves the most. That is why we are here. We came to ride the wave of uncertainty – to face the fear and claim victory. Optimism comes from knowing that all things will pass. The pendulum always swings the other way. It is a law of the universe. Trusting myself means that I trust the universe and that this life happens for me and not to me. That is optimism. Read more>>

Geno Pacino

Having had been through so many obstacles & challenges in my life I wake up everyday with the belief that my tomorrow has to be better than today. I always stay upbeat & never give up. It’s an internal optimism that always stays with me. I’m an artist named Geno Pacino based out of Chicago. I paint pictures in melodic form if I had to describe what I do. I have been an artist for years but these past 5 years I have been consistently dropping projects. Read more>>

Nila Jane Autry

My optimism is a learned and chosen skill. I grew up with a mom that was kind of a downer. I love her dearly, but there was always something not going quite right for her. My dad, on the other hand is an optimist, but seldom lifted a hand to help my mom. I’m the oldest of 10 children. Somehow I developed the ability to bring peace and harmony to our home. However, optimism would not be what you would call my attitude. Most of the time my common mantra was, I’m so tired! Then, through business seminars that my husband and I went to, for the Amway business we tried to build, and never built successfully, we were encouraged to read self-help books. I found myself when I read the greatest salesman in the world. I read it over and over and memorized the concepts in the chapters. I had seen these principles in action, but didn’t realize that I could change my frumpy, I’m so tired attitude into true optimism. Read more>>