Perspectives on Being an Optimist

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.

Laura Leandra

Let’s start where it all began..I call myself incredibly grateful to have been born into a warm, loving and supportive family, that always seems to find a glimmer of good, even in tougher situations. Growing up in that environment taught me that perspective is very powerful. I quickly realized that when you choose to believe in the positive, it has a way of attracting more positivity into your life. It’s a mindset that has shaped how I approach challenges and opportunities, allowing me to focus on solutions and growth rather than obstacles. Read more>>

Nicole Haber

I’ve battled depression and anxiety from a young age, so optimism wasn’t something that came naturally to me—it’s something I had to learn. I’ve always been a realist, seeing things for what they are, but through my journey, I realized I needed to find a sense of hope in every bad experience. If I could find even a sliver of light in the darkest moments, I knew I could create something beautiful out of it. That perspective became a lifeline, not just for my personal growth but also for my music. Read more>>

Stacee Lewis

My optimism comes from the countless times I’ve seen how something as simple as a rope and a rhythm can change lives. Double Dutch is more than just a sport; it’s a community, a culture, and for many, a lifeline. I’ve watched kids who struggled with self-esteem transform into confident champions with every jump, step, and routine they master. These moments fuel my belief that, no matter the odds, growth and success are possible. Read more>>

Sabina Vanjani

Optimism is a mindset and when one has a positive mindset only good things can happen. My knowledge and experience of Vastu, Astrology, and Tarot have helped me cultivate a sense of hope and faith. Over the years I have realized that challenges are a part of life and they can make you resilient, wise, motivated, empathetic and more if you mix it with optimism. Read more>>

Ashish Fernando

I believe that difficulties are a guise for opportunity. That is why, growing up, I believed that determination and creative problem-solving could turn even the most challenging circumstances into success stories. Being an entrepreneur and an avid racing fan has taught me that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end. Hitting those boundaries on or off the track adds to my motivation to keep striving for better. I also draw strength from the incredible people around me-teamwork and shared goals remind me of what is possible when we combine passion with perseverance. Optimism, for me, is a mindset and a choice. Read more>>

Herb Williams

My Mother is one of the most optimistic people I’ve ever met. We lost my Dad in 1983 in a sawmill accident and she had to raise two kids on a public school teacher’s salary in Alabama. She showed us how to be brave and find happiness despite tragically losing your love, but she never let us see how hard it was for her. I choose to try and find my way out of the dark every day because she made a path for me. It’s incredibly hard sometimes, but as I now have two kids that I know are always listening, it’s so important to try and laugh and smile despite death and loss and grief that can seem overwhelming. Life is hard and painful and all too unforgiving.  Read more>>

Delisa Branch-nealy

My optimismcomes from so many experiences that I have had in my Nursing Career.
Mainly watching my surgical patients over the years Many of them my cancer patients. I watch and learn for each patient. I see how they have taken a diagnosis and made it be not a death sentence but a wake up call to Live. Read more>>

Miah Giavonni

I truly believe my optimism is a gift from my family. I come from generations of storytellers, educators, and entrepreneurs who faced obstacles and hardships with resilience and an unwavering commitment to finding the light through every tunnel. Their ability to rise above challenges has shaped my perspective and inspired me to carry on that legacy. Read more>>

Skye Lopez

My optimism comes from how much I challenge myself. The more practice I do on different techniques, and the interesting meanings behind my work I try to convey makes me believe this will all pay off. Read more>>

Linda Duncombe

Linda – I had an incredibly happy childhood. What I didn’t realize was living in government housing was not always understood and could establish some unfair bias’ to what kind of people we were just because we had very little money. We made up for that with a household full of love. From a very young age, I would tell my parents and brother I wanted to live in New York. At no time did I ever think that was not possible and I went after that and all of my dreams. My optimism comes from my parents. They were so happy and grateful for our tiny family. They got so much joy from seeing the people they loved living happy lives, trying new things and going after our dreams. I have worked incredibly hard but I never forget my roots and very grateful to have ingrained in me from childhood that life is a gift, live your best life. I find joy in that everyday. Read more>>

C.j. Opperthauser

Within my line of work, which I consider to largely be facilitating a vibrant urban public life, my optimism comes from and is often reinforced by observing people out in public spaces being, frankly, very sweet. This might be an older gentleman on a bench with his morning paper, a dog-walker letting their pet take its time sniffing, strangers engaging in conversation — whatever. These little moments remind me that people are so often so good, and that decent public spaces facilitate that goodness and allow it to spread to others, including me, as the observer. Read more>>

Deborah Harris

My optimism comes from my faith in believing that I have a purpose here on this earth and it keeps me extremely motivated about the future. I don’t care how dark a situation becomes or how many people turn their backs on me, it’s not enough to keep me from moving forward. There is a peace within me that derives from knowing that I am living out my gift from GOD and nothing can supersede that feeling. I go to the bed every night knowing that I have committed to leaving a legacy behind that tells a story of a woman who walked by faith and not by sight. I have been blessed to accomplish many things that had a huge impact on others’ lives, and I hope to continue making a difference in this world. When you love what you do and trust the process that allows doors to open that no man can close! Read more>>

Michael Blackard

My optimism comes from watching the chain lightning of brilliance and smiles jump to surrounding groups, multiplying like popping corn kernels. Even as a kid, I have watched how people laughing in a room makes the air feel lighter. Throughout my career, I have helped support many people stretch into areas they didn’t think they’d be able to, watching the days turn to into weeks and seeing the changes: how one conversation leads to not just that person feeling more confident, but seeing that confidence giving space for other teammates to seek out those same growth-led journeys for themselves. Read more>>

Valerie Lathern

Believing that things will work out is the the very definition of optimism. But life teaches us that being optimistic can be hard! Because in reality, we learn things don’t always work out the way WE want them to. Key word being WE want them. I am optimistic because I have a “Purposeful Perspective” of life! Before I go any further, I have to give credit for that phrase to Pastor Brandon Bouldin, of Zion Hill Baptist Church because it was his sermon a few weeks ago. It’s believing that GOD has a plan. No matter what the circumstances or situations look like, GOD is able to make it purposeful. I’ve been fired from more jobs than I care to admit, but still I remained hopeful. I learned a long time ago to allow things to be.  Read more>>

Mercedes Smith

If I wasn’t already a naturally optimistic person, then creating custom engagement rings with countless amazing couples would fill my cup with optimism. While the work to craft their rings is complex and requires immense focus and attention to detail, this feeling and attitude permeates our culture and team. I also think it helps to alleviate the stress that some couples feel before they start the process with us. Our optimism, openness and commitment to education really helps put them at ease. Read more>>

Alicia Johnson

Truthfully, my optimism is innate. It comes naturally and I’ve always been this way. From a very young age, I’ve always seen the possibility of things working out in my favor. Now don’t get me wrong, there have been moments in my life where situations and circumstances made me question that very notion. But those were very crucial points in my life where the opportunity for growth was present. I was being taught not to question my optimism, and to look at the situation from a different perspective. “This particular situation didn’t work out because it wasn’t in alignment with my path.” Or, “You didn’t receive this/that because it would have stagnated your growth on your journey.”  Read more>>

Melanie Gillespie

I wasn’t raised by an optimist: I was raised by a *super* optimist—my dad. He grew up in poverty with an alcoholic father, but he made a decision early on: he was going to make something of himself. His aunt, a renowned European model, saw his potential and took him under her wing, gifting him a guitar that changed his life. At 14, he left school and taught himself to play, forming a band in his late teens. The Gingermen. They toured the length and breadth of Ireland and one fateful night, during a gig, a guitarist’s string broke, and my dad took over the spotlight, telling jokes to fill the time. That spontaneous moment of brilliance transformed him from a musician to Ireland’s most beloved entertainer—a comedian and singer adored by thousands. Brendan Grace. I watched him in awe from the wings and the audience, learning from his unwavering optimism and belief that, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”  Read more>>

Ariana Battle

My optimism comes from this quiet belief that connection and creativity are what make life worth living. Books and art have always been my safe place—they’re these beautiful reminders of how resilient, imaginative, and kind we can be. And I’ve always had a soft spot for those little unspoken, fleeting moments of good between people—like when someone waves a thank-you at a crosswalk or shares a laugh with a stranger in line. Those tiny exchanges feel like proof that we’re all trying, in our own ways, to take care of each other. Read more>>

Zhenya Bobrovnyk

For as long as I can remember I have always been a positive child. Every problem, situation or challenge that I had to face was perceived by me as growth and development. I would like to share my life story, I moved to America to study when I was 17 years old. I was in a new city completely alone, at that time my parents were in Ukraine. I faced a big challenge when I realized that for the next two years I would be living in a dormitory with a roommate. I realized for myself that it would be difficult for me to morally adjust to the person and the rules by which the person is used to live. I decided for myself that I would look at this situation from the other side. I changed my thinking, I began to thank the universe for the opportunity to learn to be more independent and to take full responsibility for myself – it helped me to realize that it will not always be easy and the way you want. Read more>>

Loren Riché

I know that no matter how dark it is a midnight, the sun will rise at dawn everyday, even on the rainy clouded days. Right? So with this daily reminder, I can trust that no matter how dark my life’s night may feel or how strong the storms may be, the sun will shine again eventually. In my family we have this saying “It’ll get greater later”, see growing up things were really hard financially. My mom would always tell us I know things are hard right now but as long as you focus on what you are supposed to be focusing on (school) and stay out of trouble, I promise you things will get greater later. Don’t focus on the storm be grateful for the rain, the rain makes the trees grow! We all need the tree to breathe, Im learning to be grateful for every breath (so to speak) and understand the sun will always shine again! Read more>>

Corina Lipavsky

Optimism for me is rooted in two key things: my mindset and my experiences. I’ve always believed in the power of perseverance and the idea that even the toughest challenges come with lessons. Growing up, I saw how small steps forward—whether in personal goals or professional projects—eventually led to big achievements. That gave me a sense of hope and confidence in the process. Read more>>

Brent C. Lambert

My optimism stems from the belief that I’m not so special. And I don’t say that to demean myself, but instead to highlight the collective power of humanity. There are billions of us; it would be absurd for me to think that I am alone in the amount of empathy I possess for my fellow man. Read more>>

Sirisha Duvvuru

Every day, I walk into work knowing that I’m not just addressing a skill—I’m changing lives. As a speech and feeding therapist who owns a business, my optimism doesn’t just come from hope; it comes from the incredible resilience I witness, the transformations I get to be part of, and the belief that no challenge is too big to overcome. Read more>>