Where does your optimism come from?

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.

Deija Willis

My optimism comes from my parents. I have been blessed to have three parents in my life that contributed to the person I am today. My mom, has always supported anything I showed interest in. Whether it was wanting to learn how to belly dance, being interested in photography, or wanting to travel. Read More>>

Jeffrey Henry

My optimism stems from my creativity and unwavering drive to offer something fresh, meaningful, and inspiring—especially to those who may struggle to find that spark within themselves. Read More>>

Brandy Selikson

My optimism is not just about seeing the bright side of situations but about trusting in my ability—both professionally and spiritually—to grow through challenges and emerge stronger. I believe that facing and overcoming obstacles builds confidence, resilience, and a belief in my ability to navigate difficulties. Read More>>

Ileana Rincon-cañas

My optimism comes from a deep connection to my Venezuelan roots, my artistic vision, and my personal philosophy of life. Venezuela, despite its challenges, is one of the most optimistic countries in the world. Read More>>

Kyle Werly

My optimism comes from always looking ahead while making the most of today. I only worry about what I can control—nothing more. A big part of that is focusing on giving my daughter the best childhood possible because she won’t be a kid forever. Read More>>

Ritu Pasrija

Optimism resides within each of us at varying levels. For some, it is dormant; for others, it is prevalent. For me, I had a mix—parts of me were very optimistic, and other parts were not. Yet, optimism always lurked. I remember college discussions on women’s rights, which ignited passion. I felt we could change the world. Read More>>

Rachel Olney

My optimism comes from a few different things. At its foundation, my perspective has been heavily influenced by my grandmother, who I was very close with. When I would share things with her, she would often remark things like “what a great lesson to learn.” She was always reframing things or finding positives. Read More>>

Jon Carmen Ezzo

What really did wonders for my optimism was my AP English teachers approach to learning and grading. He started a new method of grading my senior year that I really appreciated. His approach was that grades weren’t an accurate measure of a students educational journey. Read More>>

Annie Clavel

When I find myself in a difficult situation, I think of the French writer François Maurois, who wrote a collection of tales and short stories titled Toujours l’inattendu arrive (Always the Unexpected Happens). This reminds me to stay optimistic—after all, the unexpected can bring good things too. Read More>>

Kassidy Butler

I believe optimism is a continuous work in progress—not just for me, but for everyone. Life is a rollercoaster, full of unexpected highs and lows, each one testing our ability to hold onto hope in different ways. Read More>>

Jill Lawrence

I’ve always been inherently optimistic, but as my trust in life, the Universe, the Divine, or God has deepened, I’ve developed a stronger belief that everything has a way of working itself out. No matter what happens, I know I will find a way to navigate through it. Read More>>

Aruzhan Sarsen

For me, optimism is about reminding myself that there’s no such thing as an unsolvable problem. If I let a temporary setback get to me, it will only feed negative emotions and won’t help me move forward. Read More>>

Paige Byrd

When I do have optimism, which I think I do fairly often, it comes. from a place that tells me “this is going to be temporary” or “you are going to figure it out” or “you’ve got this – it’s only going to make you stronger and you are learning from it”. Things like that. Read More>>

Luiz Booth

Actually, I’m not very optimistic, but I believe I have to do what needs to be done. If I don’t do it, no one will do it for me. There’s no point in dreaming or imagining anything if I don’t get off the couch and put it into action. Read More>>

Carolina Peralta López

Since I was a child, I have seen my parents work hard to give the best to my sister and me; despite everything, they never neglected us and instilled in us the best education they could, the best habits and the best values, among them optimism. Read More>>

Nick Good

I’m not always optimistic—just ask my wife, Heather—but I’ve intentionally developed an optimistic outlook over the years by training my mindset. Through reading books, personal development courses, sales training, and real-world experience, I’ve learned that success comes from taking consistent action, learning from failures (which teach us more than our wins), and constantly adapting. Read More>>

Kim Roney

Beyond optimism, my purpose is rooted in what Miriame Kaba names a “hope discipline.” A daily practice, for me this includes commuting without a car, studying music with my students, advocating for true public safety, and putting my money where my mouth is by supporting local food systems and businesses instead of opting for fast and easy. Read More>>

Sharon Morton

I am choosing the topic of optimism because it is something I have had to work on and even today, I believe myself to be a very optimistic person, I still need to practice optimism daily. Read More>>

Sicily Hegge

My optimism comes in large part from the idea that everything will be ok in the end, and if its not okay, then it’s not over. As everyone does I have moments of self-doubt, fear, and anxiety. Read More>>

Kyra Hogue

My mother – the most optimistic person I know – passed when I was 7 years old. After losing so much in life at such an early age, life looked completely unfamiliar. With time and many life lessons along the way, my optimism grew and I began to look at each day with a newfound sense of gratitude and hope. Read More>>

Jennifer Roman-matito

Truth be told, it is the only option! Negativity perpetuates negativity! If you have massive dreams and goals the way I do, failure isn’t an option. It’s super cliche but keep the eye on the prize! Be flexible, stay focused, stay positive. Read More>>

Bogdan Laurentiu

My optimism comes from my gratitude for the opportunities I’ve found in the U.S. As a legal immigrant, I’ve seen how hard work and determination can lead to growth. Read More>>

Weyu Shameka Hodge

My optimism is deeply rooted in my dual experience—growing up in a housing project in the Bronx while being raised by immigrant parents who carried the weight of their sacrifices and dreams. On one hand, I know what it feels like to be in a place that no one aspires to be, yet I also know the power of dreaming myself beyond those circumstances. Read More>>

Jomo Tariku

It comes from both my mother and father. My mom is a always looking at the brighter side of things that I attribute to her faith and my dad is a survivor who started his life journey as an orphan and refugee in a Kenyan camp for people escaping the invasion of Ethiopia by Mussolini’s army. Read More>>

Gabrielle Johnson

The whims of life provide me with an honest grit to push forward. No human is perfect, and the sun will not always shine, but the ability to seek the greater good in life is a choice that I will always make. Read More>>

Mikael Pasini

My optimism is fueled by the boundless belief of a child-one who sees the world as a playground of infinite possibilities, where every challenge is simply a puzzle to be solved. That child is confident in the knowledge that, no matter how tough the journey, victory is inevitable. Read More>>

 

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