Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality because it gives folks to courage and motivation to try. If there is one thing we believe everyone should guard with their life, it’s their optimism and so we asked some of the most optimistic folks we know to talk to us about how they developed their optimism.
Anthony Berklich
My optimism comes from a sacred place inside me where I would say my “inner light” burns. It’s a place where I keep one truth that guides me through everything, and that truth is that nothing is permanent – but all things are possible. I believe that each person inherently has the ability to be something great and oftentimes stifles their own potential by believing in the fears, rejections, and negative thoughts that others project upon them. I know I was born for a reason, and that was to live to my highest potential in every way. I believe to do this one has to align themselves with what their truth is and what their “calling” is, their passion. Read more>>
Ryan Dougherty
I have been optimistic my whole life. From working on Wall Street to running my own company and now onto my journey of being a personal trainer. My optimism comes from the endless opportunities that most people are afraid to fail at. I don’t believe you should do something everyday if you don’t enjoy it just because it pays the bills. Find that something. It took me moving across the country to California to find my something. For now, this is what I want and this is what I will pursue. Read more>>
Mary Hoffman
This is a very interesting question, one I must admit I haven’t really thought about until now. There are many resources from which my optimism comes from and one may not be more valuable than the other. There are a multitude of factors and influences that collectively generate for me an optimism that I get to use on a daily basis. Read more>>
Heather Allen
As a photographer, I’ve learned to see the beauty in both the planned moments and the unexpected ones. I focus on capturing the real emotions and connections that make life so special. Sometimes, the smallest, most spontaneous moments turn into the most powerful memories, which is why I try to keep an open heart in both my work and life, ready to embrace whatever comes my way. Read more>>
Ariana D’souza
I think my optimism is the reason why I’ve achieved what I’ve wanted. My parents always told me that I could do things and that a lot of things were possible from a young age and with that thought being said that if I wanted the things to be possible I would have to work for it. It’s interesting because these values that my parents have implemented in my life have been engraved into my work ethic and my outlook on life today. Now that I’m in my twenties, I like to surround myself with people who have that positive outlook in their lives as well. People who understand the reality of life but are still able to remain smiling through all of it. Read more>>
Victor Ismail
From a mathematical equation. In my opinion, in some parts, life is like a mathematical equation.
So, let’s say we have a mathematical equation, if we want something positive on the other side of the equal sign, we have to add more positive numbers, no matter how big the negative is on the other side, as long as we keep adding positive numbers, it will slowly become positive too.
No matter how big the hardship is, as long as we make progress, I believe happiness will come eventually, and I thank God for this. Read more>>
Trisha Cole
Our family has a motto based on a Jewish folktale (the story is on p. 67 in Life at the Dumpling, the book I recently wrote, which is at its core a Guidebook for Good Living). The gist of the story is that things could always be worse. We always come back to the motto, it can always be worse so appreciate what you have and where you are. We have enough and then some. When you focus on the space you create, your relationships, and the experiences you create for yourself, you don’t really need anything else. Read more>>
Dina Fortune
My optimism comes from within, and also from seeing how easily people can fall into skepticism. It’s something I’ve noticed since childhood: you can choose to focus on the worst, or you can look for the good, even when things seem bleak. I’ve often found myself looking up at the sky, and noticing how, on some days, there’s both a cloudy sky and a patch of sunshine at the same time. That duality reminds me that even in difficult moments, there’s always room for hope. Read more>>
Lina Shuliar
My optimism, if I can call it that, comes from a place of acceptance. I don’t really label myself as overly optimistic, but I’ve never been one to dwell in negativity either. I think it’s more about embracing whatever comes my way, whether it’s good or bad. I travel, I explore, I take risks—because I’ve learned that life will be what I make of it. I don’t worry too much about how hard things can get. I accept that challenges are part of the journey, and ultimately, I trust that whatever happens is part of my story. People can get caught up in overanalyzing or dramatizing life, and I used to be that way too. But now, I’ve realized that the key is to simply choose to be present and embrace whatever reality comes my way. For me, that acceptance is what gives me the peace and the “optimism” to move forward. Read more>>
Maria Suarez
To be quite honest I am naturally not an optimistic person. Often I think of everything that can go wrong before I can acknowledge the potentially good outcomes of a situation. I am a product of a hispanic household who was familiar to financial struggle and uncertainty. It’s safe to say not many risks were taken in our home. In a lot of ways, this apprehensive way of thinking held me back from pursuing my photography business sooner than later. Read more>>
Brittany Stevens-pollard, M.ed, Lasac
My optimism originally started from a place of shame. I was the grouchy friend, the negative one who always looked for the bad in each situation. It was hard for me to celebrate with my friends back then because I was bound by deep insecurity and shame. I was never present for others, unless they wanted gloom and doom, then I was their expert. It wasn’t until I really dug deeply into my own mental health journey, when I realized I was living in survival mode. There is no joy in survival mode. I was constantly looking for my exits, emotionally and physically, as feeling was far too uncomfortable. So I practiced being still, even for 20 seconds a day. Then, I built a practice of setting my mind on the good I wish to see in the world, and slowly over time, my outlook legitimately changed. Read more>>
Cindy Kapas
Growing up, I was stressed and anxious all the time. I put a lot of pressure on myself to not mess anything up. I considered myself a pessimist and things didn’t really change until I met my better half, Peter. He was someone that always saw the glass half full and found the silver lining in the most challenging situations. I grew to really appreciate that about him and learned to adopt that outlook on life myself. You only get one life, why waste time sweating the small stuff? Read more>>
Antony Post
My optimism is rooted in the desire to actualize the stories I imagine in my head. As much as I celebrate collaborating with other talented individuals, I savor the quiet moments when I can open my computer and start writing. Nothing will improve an optimistic perspective more than feeling satisfied with the stories that no longer only reside within me. When I’m writing a new script, I have the power to fill my glass half full. Read more>>
Lauren Wholey
My optimism stems from my love of creating. My whole life there has always been a craft to finish or a painting to start. The process of making anything gives a fulfillment that is hard to beat, opening your eyes to endless possibilities of what could be. You could make a sweater to warm a loved one or make a print to brighten a room. This attitude about creation is almost the definition of optimism: “Hopefulness or confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something”.
However, it’s easy to be optimistic when everything is going well. The amazing thing about creating is it doesn’t have to be positive. Art is a wonderful way to express negative feelings, and can be a way of contextualizing, processing, and even personifying sadness, anxiety, or grief. Creation is a way to get feelings, ideas, and memories out of your head whether they be good or bad. Once again opening the door for endless possibilities. Read more>>
Courtney Gibson Culotta
I have always been an eternal optimist. I think it is important to stay positive in all situations, because in even the darkest situations, a little positivity can be a light. While it isn’t always easy in practice, I believe a splash of positivity can change any outlook. Read more>>
Ashley Carver
My optimism comes from a combination of faith, family, and personal experience. I believe in the idea that things ultimately work out, even if they don’t always go the way we expect. It’s not that I never feel stress or worry; like anyone, I do. But I have a deep-rooted belief, shaped by my upbringing, that there’s always a way forward, even if it’s not immediately clear. Read more>>
Shanita Brown
My optimism comes from being intent on having control over my life. I am a firm believer in the power of the tongue and how we can speak things into existence. My life is not perfect by a long shot and yes there are things in my life that are negative but if I don’t give those things my energy it will give me the strength and will power to handle them with optimism. Have you every realized when you are not feeling well that it is a habit for you to say, “I don’t feel well”. Well, the more you say it the worse you feel. That goes with any situation in your life. You have to learn to speak good things into your life and good things will happen. The power of the tongue. Read more>>
Danielle Johnson
My optimism comes from my faith. I’m a really optimistic person. I’m a glass half full person and I truly believe that being as optimistic as you can and believing you can and will, will change your life. Read more>>
Freaky Tiki Boat Charters
Starting a business is a journey that demands patience. Nothing happens overnight. You craft a plan brimming with excitement, hoping everything will unfold seamlessly, but in reality, the path is rarely that smooth. Here at Freaky Tiki, we knew from the start that success wouldn’t come instantly—and we were right. But now, month by month, we’re welcoming more clients, and the business is undeniably on an upward trajectory. Read more>>
Rebecca Kane
When I was twenty-six years old, doctors diagnosed me with a fast-growing ovarian cancer. To be honest, I wasn’t surprised; I knew something was wrong the minute my period starting acting wonky. In fact, I knew I had cancer before anyone even examined me. Intuition is funny like that. The demographics for ovarian cancer show that the illness usually strikes women who are sixty-three and older so my diagnosis had doctors scratching their heads. There I was, a spry and active twenty-six year old, yet I was living with a tumor the size of a Thanksgiving turkey making me look like I was four months pregnant. I remember the doctors being kind, but also admittedly terrified for me. For some reason, I remember not being afraid. Read more>>
Priyana
It’s kind of interesting because I am definitely a very optimistic person but I can spend a lot of time feeling stuck. I believe knowing that I can always do the things I love on a daily basis like crocheting, singing, and resting keeps me very optimistic. I definitely got a lot of my optimism from my parents too. Read more>>
Heather Henderson
I would say I would describe myself as a glass half full kind of person. I think that’s part of my DNA. Part of it I ascribe to the support I have always had from my family. My parents always gave me room to follow my bliss, which I am so grateful for. Whether it was what I wanted to study in college, spending a semester in Spain, leaving jobs that I hated before I had another one lined up, all these things add up. My sister, my brother, my brother-in-law, and my niece and nephew are really my biggest fans and provide me with constant love and support. I am grateful for all things in my life, the good and the bad, because every experience leads me forward on my path. Being a founder is like being on a roller coaster, there are some very exciting days, some very frustrating days and some days when you wonder if the business is going to succeed, and my family is always there to keep me grounded. Read more>>
Lili Wang
I would say my optimism comes from seeing other people’s success and just believing that I’m capable of achieving greatness. If they did it, why can’t I. I used to always see motivational / inspirational quotes hung up on my teacher’s wall and listen to motivational podcasts. I feel that staying positive and believing you can accomplish anything you set your mind to will take you farther than being negative and always doubting yourself, because it also drags other people down. Read more>>
Ashley Bliss
For me personally, I feel like I was born to be an optimist, having Bliss as a last name. My parents shaped my positive outlook on life I believe. No matter the situation, they stayed calm and composed, teaching us to stay optimistic, trust things would hopefully improve if they needed too, and always appreciate what we had. I was taught hard work will enable you to accomplish your goals. Read more>>
Sophiyaa Nayar
My optimism on set comes from preparation. I go into extreme detail with every department in pre-production to ensure that we’ve answered all questions and have thoroughly thought through the script, not only creatively but also logistically. So by the time we arrive on set, we are working towards executing a well thought out plan. Having done that level of preparation, it’s difficult not to come in with a positive mindset. Because, I’ve done everything I can do to prepare for what lies ahead. All obstacles and challenges that might arise on set (as is natural with filmmaking) will be things I have room for and openness towards because I have thought through most other issues. Suddenly there’s room for problem solving. This preparation for directing on set helps in my approach to most things. Being prepared and thoughtful allows me to lead with curiosity, openness and optimism, rather than fear. Read more>>
Sara Hallajian
The definition of optimism is hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something. I think it is in my nature to look at the brighter side of things in life and to have a clear vision for the future even if I don’t know how I am going to get there. Even when times are the most stressful or challenging I am always considering the best possible outcomes to focus on the positive things that can happen, it keeps me focused and present in the moment so I can be my best self. Read more>>
Sirin Aysan
My optimism comes from a deep belief that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and improvement. I try to focus on the potential for positive change, both in myself and the world around me. What’s the alternative anyway? Despair? Discontent? I actively choose to resist despair. Read more>>
Kheyala Bright
Optimism to me is another form of happiness, something to be practiced, it is a wisdom of sorts, a mindset of positivity that comes from trust in yourself and trust in the universe. It is a splendid characteristic and I am blessed to have had it shown to me, so I can also share it with others if or when they need it. No doubt my optimism comes from my Ma and Pa. They brought the light into my life by teaching me at a young age that at the deepest root level, everything is energy and light. Shifting, transforming, expanding, contracting. That we are here to conduct and magnify these truths, by loving, learning, growing, creating, and sharing, together. Read more>>
Andy Milligan
For me, optimism comes from a combination of things: perspective, knowing that I am living my own story, and that I am serving others. I’m a firm believer that no matter how much we feel like we are behind or disadvantaged, there is always someone who has had it worse or has gotten further, with less. Ever since I have started freelancing and building my design agency, I have lived by the principle that the magic word in business, for anything, truly is “enthusiasm”! I find that bringing this to every client interaction, networking event, video, or piece of content that I make if you show others that you are truly enamored with what you do and are enjoying the process, then they want to come back in some way. They want to associate with positivity, directly or indirectly. Read more>>
Nikki Cueto
My optimism stems from a lifetime of global exploration, connecting with people, and embracing the richness of our world’s diversity. Traveling to over 60 countries and all seven continents has offered me endless stories of resilience, kindness, and humanity. Engaging with people from different cultures has shown me that, no matter where we’re from, we all share universal hopes, dreams, and challenges. I find great inspiration in the way others overcome obstacles and find joy in everyday life, which deepens my belief in our collective strength. Read more>>
Brett Gaffney
I find that my optimism comes from a balance between knowing that I can’t control what’s to happen in my life, and also that I can make the most of the lemons life has given me. I’m truly grateful to even make it to the age of 25. In the grand timeline of humanity, I’m fortunate to live in a world that has accessible food, housing, water, clothing, shelter, and support from loved ones and friends. I don’t see life as a “bouncing from one problem to the next” but more as a “how can I prove to myself that today is meant to be shared, prospered, and enjoyed.” I also think my parents knew that supporting a son in what he actually wants to do, rather than follow a traditional route of life, panned out well because now I know if I ever need to take a step back, that system is in place for me. I’m grateful for my family. I love them so much. Read more>>
Aleah Chapin
I think I was born with optimism, but I also believe we are all born with it. The very act of birth gives us that. We are squeezed through something intense, dark, scary, and then comes the light. That first breath shows us what is on the other side of difficulty. I kept that optimism because of the viewpoints of my parents and the community around me who have always seen the good and the light, even in challenging times. My optimism today is based on a choice and a trust in myself and those around me to do what it takes to make the world a better place, knowing some things will take time. I have learned that optimism only works when we back it up with action. Read more>>
Jianing Hou
My optimism is rooted in my curiosity and appreciation for the diverse cultures and stories that people bring to the table. I’ve always been fascinated by how traditions, values, and personal experiences shape our perspectives. As a photographer, I’m constantly inspired by the unique ways people express their joy, love, and identity. Capturing these moments not only deepens my understanding of the world but also reminds me of the beauty and resilience in human connections. Read more>>
Philip Hessler
My optimism definitely comes from my parents. I think both of them had a very strong sense of how they saw their lives that they each manifested in their own ways. I watched my Dad build multiple business and have a lot of success in his 30s and 40s and then get hit with brain cancer out of nowhere. The brain cancer was called Lymphoma and was extremely rare and had serious effects on his health and led to my parents separation. Yet I have never heard my dad once complain, never once act like the victim. His positive outlook is completely inspiring, even though his body is unable to do the things that it once could when he was younger he never lost his spark. And I saw the same thing with my Mom as she took her own journey – from building a wellness retreat in Driggs, Idaho to trekking to Everest Base Camp in her 60s. Read more>>
Jon Neill
It could be because I have the ability to recognize opportunities and can see patterns and how they unfold. This goes back to having a great family. I was the youngest of three brothers all of whom were artists as well as my parents. My dad created many of the advertising campaigns of top brands while working in Chicago and was a great source of inspiration and influence. My mom encouraged us to be creative and create artistically . We made super 8 animated films, wood carved, painted and drew. Our mindset is that anything is possible if you believe in it. Read more>>
Siqi Fu Fu
Staying optimistic isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to myself and my work. I actually allow myself to feel the weight of sadness and negativity when it comes—it’s almost like I give myself permission to go through those feelings fully. Then, after I’ve processed them, I remind myself: it’s time to look up again. I tell myself that even if I’ve created something I don’t love, those missteps are part of the journey toward improvement. Each ‘bad’ piece I make is a stepping stone, pushing me to be better. I think of it as letting the negativity flow through me and then releasing it, so what remains is optimism and a fresh drive to keep going. Read more>>
