We’re often asked if we’ve seen a pattern of success among the many thousands of entrepreneurs and creatives we’ve interviewed over the years and when we say yes, folks naturally ask what it takes to succeed and without a doubt one of the most essential ingredients for success is optimism. Cynics may often be right, but it’s only when an optimist is right that the world changes. Below, you’ll find more discussion around optimism and how to develop and foster it.
Mercedes Lynn
I was born optimistic! Life has presented me with many challenges, ones that no one would guess just looking at me, but despite those challenges I always have an unwavering amount of hope. I may feel strong questionable emotions at times but my center is that optimistic place that’s untouchable. I consider it to be a gift from God! I even remember my brother Nicholas telling me when we were younger that my heart is the strongest part of me. I personally believe I can do anything I set my heart to do and that has been proven time and time again. Last, although I was born optimistic I still put the work in to keep that good hopeful energy flowing, it’s a must to keep that optimistic muscle growing. Read More>>
Brian Quirk
Life has so many bummers in it and I just simply don’t like being a part of that. I don’t think it’s possible to be entirely optimistic all the time, but I would so much rather lead someone to a smile or a laugh and take them away from the negativity that already exists in their lives than contribute to the ever growing piles of unpleasantries we all already have. It really is crazy to me how one person’s energy can shift the entire mood of a room based on how they interact and carry themselves. I’ve always had a passion for seeing other people happy and I think so much stupid nonsense already happens to all of us on a regular basis that it’s nice to have a little break every once in a while. Things get so serious so quick that it’s nice to not take them so seriously sometimes. I like to be that little break for someone when I can. Read More>>
Yolanda Newell
I work hard every day to strengthen my faith. I am a Christian who journeys every day to continue to stay on this path. It is definitely a challenge daily, hourly, etc. The world has many twists and turns and I stand in it in my imperfection. However, I do believe based on the many worldly ills and challenges I dwell well in optimism through my faith in God. Read More>>
Ranjit Chand
My optimism comes from where it all started. My parents are my definition of optimism. I grew up with two immigrant parents. They came to America to become successful. They overcame obstacles that my generation would never be able to take on. I have admired what they have accomplished my whole life. Their values are instilled in me until the day I die. Read More>>
Ashley Wineland
One of the questions I get from others a lot is where do I get the energy to be a consistently positive presence online and in person. In all fairness, I think it is important to acknowledge that I do have my days where my energy is not in the happy and fun sphere, but that is normal! For me, being able to maintain a sense of optimism and to consistently share that with others starts with a daily reminder of my why. Read More>>
Daniel Sedlak
I have always been a very optimistic person. I started my career as a professional athlete when I was 18 years old. Sports and entrepreneurship are very similar in the sense that you are always dealing with a lot of uncertainty around your future. I found that being open to change and being flexible in my approach helped me be more optimistic in my day to day life. I believe that my best days as an entrepreneur and as a person are ahead of me and that excites me a lot. Read More>>
Danielle Lozeau
My Mother. My mother is the queen of Optimism, and I think everyone can learn a little something from her. I am still learning from her to this day. She always used to tell me, and really much into my adult life. “You don’t know what you have until your blue in the face and your facing death”. That stemmed from a moment when I was younger, probably in high school, she went into a massive asthma attack at a hotel. I found her turning blue in between the two beds in the hotel room, while on vacation. I found out at the time that the hotel phone did not in fact work as they told me it did, and I had to run down to the receptionist desk to call for help. Read More>>
Jasmin Jones
My faith. I have no reason to not trust my life or believe that what’s for me isn’t coming. I know God got me! His light shines on every aspect of my being, it’s divine. My life is divine. This is the mentality and spirit that keeps me going. Read More>>
Rachel Rossi
As a therapist who specializes in trauma treatment, I have the privilege of meeting people during or following perhaps the most challenging and painful moments of their lives. People often wonder what it is like to hear such painful stories, to witness people’s pain in this way—particularly when its the pain of young kids and adolescents—and I’m often asked if it brings be down, or if it is hard to separate my work and home life because of this. I’m also asked if this makes me see the world as a dangerous place, filled with suffering and pain. Read More>>
Jenna Watters
Sometimes it can be hard to stay optimistic when you’ve been hustling to become a successful musician for many years and you see musicians/bands that just came on the scene that are already more successful. I guess this is where the definition of “success” comes into play. In spite of what is happening around us, we have to remind ourselves that the journey is more important that the destination, and that we get to do what we love for a living, even if it doesn’t get us “to the top”. Getting to play music with some of the best musicians in Texas on a weekly basis is part of the reward for us. It keeps us happy and helps us maintain a positive outlook. Read More>>
Allen Minecci
I do feel generally optimistic. I have spent quite a bit of my life being pessimistic, actually; which led to deep depression, poor health, isolation. The memory of being in such a low spot is enough for me to stay focused on positivity. I know it is really important to take care of myself, watch my thoughts and have discipline in my behavior because I know exactly what happens when i don’t care about anything. I’ve been there. and it was really awful. Read More>>
T Drake
My Faith in Lord Jesus Christ has a ton to do with that. I have gone through some hard things in life. Due to those things or situations I was able to see that I made it through. It is not always easy to have mindset of optimism when you are going through the storms of life. When those storms of life start coming it is wonderful to know Jesus can calm any storm. My optimism definitely has strong and deep roots in my Faith for sure. I always look at my life and think there are others that may have it worse than I do. I do my best to see the brighter side of situations. Read More>>
Carlos Smith II
My optimism simply came from my journey and growth. Back in 2006 when I began my film journey, I had dreams of having my movies in theaters, festivals and more. My skill set at the time, I didn’t believe in a million years that any of that would happen. However, the moment I decided to do my first movie around 2012-2013, I discovered what I was truly capable of achieving….and all of those dreams I had, finally came into fruition. From that point onward, I’ve been growing a lot and the support has been amazing as well. That very moment I premiered my first movie to a sold out audience, I realized that people were in my corner and here to support my journey. Read More>>
David Kim
Life is extremely hard. Everyone goes through their own personal battles, and we never know what others are going through internally. Seeing everything through a negative lens will just make your day-to-day life harder. Why not have some optimism?
Even though many parts of life, we have no control over. I choose to optimize the parts that I can control and by being optimistic I can hopefully live a more fulfilling and happy life. Read More>>
Kaylen, Kelsey & Kristen Kassab K3 Sisters Band
We are three sisters who formed the K3 Sisters Band (K3SB) in 2009. Our names are Kaylen (23), Kelsey (22) and Kristen (19). We are pleased to briefly discuss where our optimism came from, and how we maintain a positive and encouraging attitude even when life’s challenges knock you down and discourage you. Well before we formed the K3SB we began performing as early as 3 to 5 years old in our parent’s band. We didn’t know it at the time, but we were being exposed to the “brighter side” of life. And it began to create a lifestyle of optimism, and a “can do” attitude in all of us. Sure, we were nervous going on stages in front of hundreds or thousands of people, but because our parents, and at times our grandfather were on stage with us it calmed our nerves. The people that came to our shows were so encouraging and excited to see us play the little fiddles and sing folk and gospel songs backed by the band that they usually exploded into applause and gave us standing ovations to encourage us. Read More>>
Webster Bumpers
Optimism, a noun that covers a lot of mental acreage and fortitude to carry out plans and meet self-expectations despite what is in front of you. For me, optimism, is a verb, an ace of faith in what is unseen. In the New Tesstament it reads, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Mainly, my optimism comes from knowing that Almighty God is the source of everything for me. I cannot do and have done nothing without Him! Many years ago I attempted to do it all my way. Well, hindsight is always 20/20. I am convinced that by putting in the deliberate effort to honor God in my daily walk to stay the course, my optimism is positively charged. Read More>>
Joanna Bucaro
Throughout my life, I have learned that the perspective we have of things is very important. I have learned to see the good of any situation despite knowing that there is always a “not so good side of it”. I am thankful for what I do have instead of complaining for what I don’t have. My confidence that there has to be something good out of anything rests in my heavenly father. I have learned to trust him and have peace in my mind. It hasn’t been easy because life has its ups and downs. Read More>>
Seth Kaye
Historically, I’ve spent much of my life nursing a (probably) unhealthy disposition toward pessimism. I think that comes from some family of origin roots and maybe some routine character defects on my part, but the past few years have brought me a lot of opportunity to work on that pessimism and I’m just recently getting to a place where I feel proud to describe myself as an optimist, and mean it. A few years ago I went through a pretty rough season of burnout and it really cracked me open in terms of having to face some very profound frustrations and disappointments that had worked their way into my heart. Read More>>
Devonn Vidal
In every circumstance, we are faced with two alternatives: perceiving the glass as either half full or half empty. Throughout my experiences, I have consistently inclined towards embracing the half full perspective, as it tends to yield the most fulfilling results. Nevertheless, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the risk factors and assess the potential drawbacks before arriving at any decisions. Read More>>
Greg Fisher
From a young age, I have been captivated by the allure of possibilities in business and entrepreneurship. My optimism can be traced back to the unwavering support of my mother, who championed my myriad of ideas, even when they faltered or seemed unattainable. One particular memory is the inception of my online dining guide at the age of 20. Despite its uncertain prospects, my mother, having earned money from running karaoke shows, backed this venture. Her belief in my potential laid the foundation for my future successes. Read More>>
Troy Graham
My optimism comes from my parents. It is funny, I had some people call me “skittles” because everything is always shine and rainbows, and my wife even call me her little optimistic bunny. These nicknames derive on how my parents taught me to take definitive successes and apply them, in everything you do. I can remember it starting initially in sports, if I can make three scores in a soccer practice, I can do it in a game, or if I can get graduate high school with A/B honor roll, there is no reason why I can’t do it in college. Just taking small accomplishments and applying them to bigger pictures. Read More>>
Ivonne Gonzales
Looking back, I lived with many anxieties and fears about whatever was coming next in my life. Now that I am older and see how even the hardest moments have worked out, I have learned that as long as my life is in proper alignment with my passion and purpose – it will always work out! The bumps in the road are just learning opportunities and make us more resilient to the more beautiful things life has in store for us. Read More>>
Takeya Glenn
Many people pursue artistic or creative careers, but I have a passion for creating and expressing through various mediums such as music, art, writing, and my favorite makeup. I have been drawn to these forms of expression from a young age from my mother and have developed my skills and talents over time. I see my artistry as a powerful means of communication and a way to address social or political issues within the beauty community. I was also very attracted to the freedom and flexibility that my career offered, allowing me to work on my own terms and to pursue my passion while earning a living. Read More>>
