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.

Jacy Peck

Optimism is a choice you make everyday. After being being in ICU for weeks, after being told to make plans for my children because I was not going to leave the hospital alive, after fighting for my life; I learned how to live. Being positive has made me a better mother, wife, and friend. Positivity can be lacking in most situations and others seem genuinely surprised when you greet them with a warm smile and care. Read More>>

Anne Gabriele

I believe that the universe is always listening and responding to our desires. I remain open, grateful and receptive to the signs and opportunities that come my way. Read More>>

Amy Peterson

My optimism comes from experience. I’ve faced enough challenges to know that things usually work out — maybe not exactly how I planned, but often in a way that still moves me forward. As an entrepreneur, optimism isn’t optional — it’s essential. We have to believe that things will get better, that the next opportunity is just around the corner. That mindset is what carries us through the tricky times, when the path isn’t clear but giving up isn’t an option. My optimism is grounded in resilience, belief in progress, and the drive to keep building, no matter what. My favorite saying is “Just keep swimming” Read More>>

Tomoya Ogawa

Being in the music industry isn’t always simple or easy, y’all know? You constantly have to stay focused, prepared, and strong enough to deal with all kinds of tough situations—unpleasant sound environments, unpredictable schedule changes, and complicated payment agreements.
Sure, playing music is always a joy, and that’s what I’m truly passionate about, but there are so many struggles that non-musicians often overlook. On top of that, some people are sensitive and get nervous about being judged based on what they play, which makes them overly afraid of making mistakes. Read More>>

Calvin Gee

I think optimism is especially poignant right now. We’re living in a time of immense uncertainty—global markets are teetering, identity politics have fractured not just the U.S. but much of the world, and climate change is threatening the very economic systems we’ve come to rely on. Some of the largest insurance companies are warning that their business models—and by extension, the capitalist structure of modern society—may not be sustainable. Read More>>

Anthony Dyer

It comes from surviving things I wasn’t supposed to. Yeah, from the battlefield—and the inherent risks that come with being a Special Missions Aviator—but even more from the silence that followed. From the nights I thought my purpose was over, and something deep inside whispered, “Get up anyway.” Read More>>

Ahava Silkey-Jones

Optimism is an integral part of me. It has helped me lead, connect, and build momentum. I’ve seen how a hopeful outlook creates joy. I grew up around a joyful and optimistic father who always saw the good in people and situations. That kind of perspective shapes you. It helped me gravitate toward other optimistic people and taught me that optimism is a choice and a powerful source of strength. Read More>>

Chaim Magnum

My optimism comes from within. I’m naturally a happy person, and I see each day as a new and exciting opportunity. I genuinely enjoy the challenges life brings, especially because I’m usually able to conquer them and reach my goals. There’s no single source for my outlook—being optimistic just feels like a core part of who I am. Read More>>

Divine Bradley

My optimism is a quiet current that has carried me through every season — sometimes as a gentle stream, sometimes as a raging river. It comes from living through the full cycle of beginnings, breakdowns, and breakthroughs, and trusting that each chapter, no matter how chaotic or uncertain, is part of a larger, living design. Read More>>

Bill Miles

Definitely, my optimism comes from my father. He was a dreamer, always recanting his mantra, “If you can think it, you can thing it.” I’ve always felt that anything is possible for myself…but also that I’ll have to do the work to achieve it. Read More>>

Ifeoluwa Ogun

Being Nigerian… no, I’m just joking! But really though, my self-discipline comes from a place of not having any, to be honest. To me, self-discipline is having control over any and every action that I can control, whether good or bad. I’m young, but I’ve been through some questionable things. Going through those experiences has shown me a lot and taught me about myself and others. I’ve learned, and now I’m moving on to bigger and better things. Read More>>

Gemma Vehikite

I was homeschooled my entire life, and that played a huge role in shaping both my self-discipline and work ethic. From a young age, I had a lot of freedom in how I structured my day and how I learned. I had to figure out how to stay on track, teach myself new things, and be responsible for my own progress. That kind of independence taught me how to be self-motivated and to hold myself accountable—skills that directly translate to running my own business today. Read More>>