Betting on the Brightside: Developing and Fostering Optimism

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.

Jack Witt

I grew up in a lower middle-class family with 2 brothers and a sister and looking back now I’d say the seeds of optimism were there from the start as a kid. I had a vivid imagination and was always involved in creative types of things. But it wasn’t really until I was 30 or so that I made the conscious choice to try to exist above negativity and fear and to strive to live a meaningful and purposeful life. I decided I wasn’t going to just go through the motions in life, I was going to really try to make a difference and be my best self every day and to make time to help others. All that said, I’ve fallen off the “optimism horse” a few times in my life, but it’s my close friends and family who always remind me who I am and so then I get back up and dust myself off and ride that optimism again. Read more>>

Lee Woodham

Optimism is a decision. It’s how you value and perceive others. One thing is for certain in the fact that you get to choose how you act and react. I always look for the good in people regardless of outcome and circumstance. I think we all need one another at some point in our lives. My person and inspiration is and has always been my wife Hollie. She is my compass for good, bad and everything in between. When I loose focus she brings me back to reality. She has helped define who I am and how I operate. I love people and each of us have unique gifts to share. It’s having the optimism to find those gifts through persistency. Read more>>

Cristina Salmastrelli

I have been told before that my level of optimism borders on delusional thinking and while I can be a critic and look at the glass as half empty, there is something magical that happens when you start from a place of yes.

Many think that analytical people, with a passion for data and charts, cannot be optimistic, but that is wrong, in my opinion. Isn’t it more exciting to think about everything as a possibility?

My optimism has developed overtime. The excitement of opportunities and daydreaming about what could be, is too much fun to not embrace in my conversations. Most of the time, I end up being the most optimistic person in the room and, in my opinion, that is a wonderful gift to bring to the table. Read more>>

Chastidy Thomas

My optimism came from my Bonus Father, it was one of the many treasures he brought into my life and one of the life lessons he taught me by his actions as well as his encouraging words. It taught me to look at any situation as “glass half full”, to always have hope, to know and understand when things are bad, it’s ok to feel what you feel, but you should do your best to turn your focus to the blessings you do have and use that to keep going. Try not to stay wallowed in hurt, regret, pity, etc. look back at your life at the blessings that God has given you and remember he will do it again even when things seem tough and overwhelming. Mistakes will be made, that’s life, but do not dwell on those mistakes, use them to learn and to grow, what was done is done, and you can’t change that, but you can definitely change your behavior or decisions going forward to do and be better. This life lesson he taught me changed my whole view of life and has helped shaped me to be the women I am today. Along with optimism, he helped teach me the self-peace and reward that comes with forgiveness of others. Read more>>

Julie & Jimmy Bendlin

The possibilitys of the future. We live in a world where you can choose your destination. It’s up to you to choose the kind of life you lead. We wanted to work full time with dogs and just kept doing that next right step in that direction. We want to live in the Black Hills so we kept looking for the next right step in that direction. The possibilities are endless and God is good. Read more>>

Joshua Gray

My optimism comes from anchoring my faith in the belief that all things will work together for me—even the delays and the denials. Moreover, my optimism is broadened when things actually work together in a way that blows my mind. Recently, I successfully defended my dissertation and research for my doctoral program (Ed.D. in Learning Technologies). In reflection, this 15-year journey in higher education as a student embodied optimism or my belief that all things would work together over time: In 2010, I wanted to go to NYU for my undergraduate career, but I didn’t get accepted and chose Pepperdine, which lead to an unimaginable path involving travels throughout South America, Europe, and Asia. For my graduate school career, I started enrollment at Purdue University, but I pivoted to a Masters in Leadership in Learning Technologies program at Pepperdine Graduate School of Education & Psychology. Read more>>

Dr. Shana Lachowicz

Some days it is hard. As an empath, I feed off others’ feelings and their emotions. I try to not be around people who drain my energy or let the bad take up too much space in my head. I try to remember how far I have come and that in all aspects I should have been a statistic, someone who shouldn’t have made it (according the the ‘Nay-Sayers’) make it. I am not sure I am all that optimistic but I try to see it that way for the sake of those that I influence. Read more>>

Jahzmin French

My optimism stems from some of my early childhood experiences and honestly watching the resilience and adaptability of my mother who was a single parent. I recall standing in the lines for food stamps or food bank and she would somehow make it fun for my brother and I even though this was not an ideal situation by playing a game she would make up while we waited. It felt like we were the only people in the line and the time went by quickly in my world when in reality it was probably hours if my mom could chime in. See what she didn’t know was that she was helping me find the joy in a state of inadequacy. She was showing me that even though we were in a tough situation we didn’t have to give in the depressions of that reality because they don’t last. As an adult once I took advantage of the ability to unlock my optimism in the toughest times it was a game changer and as a leader in my industry it’s a hardwired essential that my team and guests deserve. Read more>>

Marie Nofsinger

I believe that every day you can reinvent yourself. I also believe that the rough times don’t last forever.

I still get up every day and start by making my bed. I think that starts the motivation no matter how tired I am

or how bad the day before may have been. There is ALWAYS something to be grateful for and always something to

get my engine started, whether it’s cleaning the kitchen, paying bills or taking a ride to the beach to get a breath of fresh air! Read more>>

O’neil Thomas

I feel like my optimism formed the second I fell in love with acting. I had this desire and burning passion that gave me unwavering purpose. Once I fell in love with it, started studying acting, and seeing people who looked like me on screen playing roles, I’d love to play myself, My optimism ignited and I’ve been fanning the flame ever since. Read more>>

Bren Holmes

My optimism comes from being able to create music and being able to perform and record that music for people…seeing people faces light up or moving someone because of something you created is priceless and it keeps me going and gives me hope… Read more>>

Yuki Fan

My optimism stems from what I describe as “pessimistic optimism.” While I hold infinite confidence in the ultimate outcome, I remain cautious and deliberate in the process. My life motto is: “If something isn’t done well, it’s not over yet.”

The creation of Soul Mates Bridal embodies this mindset. I’ve always dreamed of building a sophisticated and stylish business—a brand that redefines the traditional wedding industry while standing firmly in the fashion circle. Many might hesitate to voice such ambitions, especially as a woman, as the term “ambition” can carry unnecessary stigma. But to me, ambition is not simply about great desires; it’s about the ability to set clear goals and take actionable steps toward achieving them while seeking help and collaboration when needed. Read more>>

Mary Martin

My optimism comes from believing physical, mental and spiritual challenges are a gift. When I was 33 years old, I was training for my 4th marathon. I had run Seattle and Chicago twice. I was not athletic growing up, but I had started running in college as a way to control the Freshman weight gain. I also found myself loving the strength, independence and power I felt out on the road or trails. Just me, myself and I running free. After running Chicago the second time(I ran a 3:10), I realized I was a pretty good runner. I qualified for New York Marathon and began my training to run a sub 3hour marathon. I was obsessed. Obsession is different than focus. One month before the race I fractured the neck of my femur and ended up in the ER then surgery to put my hip “back together”. I was in Graduate school for Physical Therapy and all of sudden my powerful independence stopped dead on its tracks. Read more>>

Pau Zabaleta Llauger

I would say that my optimism comes from valuing tiny things that make my life better. I have moved countries twice and crossed the Atlantic Ocean once in the last 3 years. I moved from Barcelona to Oaxaca in México and after that, I moved to NY to pursue my MFA in Contemporary Theater and Performance. All of that was when I was already in my forties. I feel optimistic when I acknowledge my privilege of being allowed to move freely instead of having to cross borders illegally, having a family and a place to go back to if anything goes wrong, and having a bed to sleep in every night under a roof. All these little things make me smile and be grateful and I think that is a recipe for feeling optimistic in that things will get better whenever you are navigating a challenging time. Coming from the Mediterranean coast I believe the sun and the bright and clear water of that sea have always infused me with peace and optimism.  Read more>>

Curtis Bodiker

It comes from my community and choosing to see the beauty in the world wherever I can find it. Life will always be filled with challenges and things we cannot control, but some lovely things about being human are our ability to change our perspective and connect with each other to achieve something greater than we could on our own. We cannot avoid pain or hardship, but we can recontextualize our hardship to have a deeper meaning and choose who we lean on when when a challenge inevitably knocks on our door. Knowing these things give me hope, no matter the circumstance. Read more>>

John Milham

Most of my life I’ve been more of an optimist than a pessimist. Ive kind of always been the peace maker in my family so that role has given me that label. Sometimes that’s a hard place to be because everyone wants you to choose a side, but as the peacemaker, I hope to try to understand the whole situation as best I can. Learning to hold space for others when they need me and not trying to solve or “fix” everything is also a way to maintain a more optimistic approach when I need to. I also try to not take others personally in situations and look for empathy when I can remember. I can say too that my optimism may also come from the idea that all things are impermanent. When I am dealing with anger, frustration, impatience, boredom or whatever comes, just the noting to myself that “all things come and go” or ” this too shall pass” help me from getting trapped in the “woe is me” story (insert sad violin music).  Read more>>

Andrew Werner

Optimism, for me, is rooted in both legacy and perspective. Both sides of my family, going back generations, were entrepreneurs who built businesses from the ground up. They relied on ambition, resourcefulness, and resilience to succeed, often against significant odds. Growing up in that environment, I learned that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones. Watching my family turn ideas into thriving ventures instilled in me a deep belief in the power of persistence and creativity. That entrepreneurial spirit has been a guiding light in my own career, reminding me that success comes from seeing possibilities where others might see limitations. Read more>>

Kushal Shah

My optimism is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of my parents, the guidance from God, and the belief that my loved ones have in me. I feel a strong sense of purpose and responsibility, and I’ve made promises to myself that I am dedicated to fulfilling. This combination of influences is the backbone of my positive outlook on life and motivates me to strive for my goals with discipline and determination no matter the challenges that come my way. Read more>>

Ashley Frye

My optimism comes from understanding that joy and competitiveness aren’t mutually exclusive.

Throughout my athletic career, I’ve encountered the perception that being bubbly and smiley somehow meant I wasn’t a competitor, that I wasn’t “tough” enough or that I wasn’t stoic. At Texas State, my coach mockingly called me ‘Smiley Fryes’ and told me that with my personality I will never be a true leader. Later, in professional cycling, my personality was sometimes misinterpreted as a lack of competitive drive, even as I was achieving top-5 and top-10 finishes in both European and US races. Read more>>

Ryoka Matsumoto

My optimism is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the unwavering support of my family and friends. Growing up, I was a naturally curious child, always eager to try new things. Whenever I said, “What’s that? I want to do it!” my parents never discouraged me. Instead, they nurtured my adventurous spirit, which shaped my positive outlook on life.

One of the pivotal moments in my journey happened when I was two years old. My father, after a business trip to New York, brought back a VHS of the musical Annie. I was mesmerized. I watched it every day, curling my hair like Annie’s and imitating her. Seeing my enthusiasm, my parents took me to watch a live performance of Annie in Japan. I was immediately captivated and declared, “I want to be on that stage!” Read more>>

Wayne Howard-saunders

Having lived with major spinal injuries for over a decade and a half, I have had no option but to find positivity and optimism where I can. My outlook is definitely a cup half full and that the good will outweigh the bad, even on the exceptionally bad days, I try to keep this mind set. For me, the artwork enables me to focus on my skill, creativity and passion-at my own pace. Read more>>

J. Rosemarie Francis

My optimism comes from faith in Christ Jesus. I’m certain that I can depend on God my father. So I know I’m not alone and I don’t have to do everything alone. I believe and have faith in a God who loves me so I try to live in the moment and let him take care of the future. Read more>>

Madison Gillespie

For a long time, I’ve been an optimistic person that likes to see life in a positive lens.

Energy is a real thing. When you’ve experienced hardships and wallow in negative energy, you become heavy and unable to move. As a result, you don’t look forward for the things in life and you aren’t hopeful for the future. You become this weighted energy that you were taught to stay away from. If you view your life in a negative way, you welcome that negative energy to continue to stay in your life. For change to happen for the better, it starts with your mind. Only the individual themselves can change their mindset, if they let it. Read more>>

Teresa Cowart

My grandmother told me as a child, I could be anything or anyone I wanted as long a I worked hard and believed I could. she was right. As she often was. She instilled a strong sense of purpose, confidence and optimism in me that still runs within me and is my guiding force. Read more>>

Nicholas Tanek

My optimism comes from kink. Sexual expression, BDSM, and kink culture shows me (every day) that change is the only constant. Kink takes something and changes it so people can view it differently. We “kink” things in everyday life. That means we all have the power to change something. We can change our outlook. We can change our way of thinking. Therefore, we can change the world for the better. Read more>>

Lionel Scott

I’m a big believer that optimism and choosing to be hopeful in the future is an act of resistance in the face of a world that is affected with so many problems. For me, I’m not trying to be “blissfully unaware” of the world around me, that’s something that I can’t afford to do or believe is right in any way, instead I try my best to acknowledge my issues while still not letting them keep me down so to speak. Being an optimistic person is hard, and every once in awhile something will happen that sort of knocks you out of it. But choosing to get back up and not only deal with your issues head on, but do it with as much hope as you can gather is something I believe is really important to do. It’s a belief that I try to put into my art whenever I can and is a mindset I really subscribe too. Read more>>

Dr. Mark Pitstick

My optimism, no matter what is happening to or around me, comes from deeply knowing ‘The Great News’ as listed in article #19 at SoulProof.com. Gary E. Schwartz PhD was a professor at Harvard and Yale, and is now professor emeritus at the University of Arizona. In our book ‘Greater Reality Living’, we identified ten aspects about the nature of reality that are based on scientific, clinical, and/or experiential evidence. This data indicates, with a very high degrees of certainty, that you and everyone else:
1. are a being of consciousness / energy who still exists after your earthly body dies. Read more>>

Thaisa Salopek

My optimism comes from my mother. Since childhood, gratitude and resilience have been my guiding stars. Growing up, I quickly learned that while we couldn’t control every situation, we could always control our mindset. My mother has been a constant presence in my life, always reinforcing the belief that things will work out in the end. She taught me the power of prayer and reminded me never to be influenced by things beyond my control. Read more>>

Simma Chester

I’ve always been an upbeat person. I don’t normally let disappointments get me down. Where this comes from, I can’t really say. I find optimism is an easier go of life and I’ve not been misled. Read more>>

Missy Kirchstein

My optimism comes from being resilient through the hardest and best of times. My belief is if I don’t have optimism, I don’t have much. I have to look forward to things because I don’t believe in looking back. The future is uncertain for any of us at any given time. But with optimism, I have hope. And with hope, I have dreams yet to discover and memories to make. Read more>>

Nate Setto

Trusting God in everything I do. I feel like he always finds a way and I’m just happy to push forward in my goals because you never know who you might meet and where you might go. Even if the path seems off at first. Read more>>

Joseph Dunham

This is a great question, I get asked this often “Have you always been this way? Yes, at a young age I decided to adopt a positive outlook on life verse a negative & pessimistic one. Little did I know I was making the decision to have a growth mindset vs a fixed mindset. I realized that it took so much energy out of my to be mad, upset and negative. Whether that’s having a negative attitude, being mad, being mean towards myself or others, allowing things to impede on my energy. It was far easier and felt better being positive and kind to myself & the world – not just that but just seeing the difference it made in my life in all things. My mother was a major influence on my optimistic outlook was well. She ALWAYS had a smile on her face and a positive outlook on things. Were there trying times for us growing up? Absolutely, and she didn’t hide her emotions and feelings from my brothers and I BUT she always held her head high through it all. And of course God, my Lord and Savior – I’ve always strived to by loving! Read more>>

Joana Donovan

Growing up with humble beginnings has taught me to view every experience as a blessing. Life is too short to spend it wrapped in negativity, worry, or doubt—doing so only closes our eyes to the incredible opportunities waiting in our personal and professional lives.

I believe in finding a silver lining in everything. Even when the reason behind certain events isn’t immediately clear, I trust it will reveal itself in time. While I don’t claim to have all the answers,

I know one thing for sure: my positivity is my greatest strength. It’s not just for me—it’s for my family and job seekers who rely on me. They deserve an advocate who approaches every challenge with optimism and hope. Read more>>

Frances Ledgewood

Frances’ optimism is deeply rooted in her faith and her relationship with God. She draws strength and confidence from knowing that she can accomplish anything through the guidance and strength He provides. This unwavering belief fuels her passion for her work, allowing her to pour her heart into building meaningful relationships with her clients and creating stationery that reflects their unique stories. Her love for weddings and all things paper goods isn’t just about design—it’s about celebrating love, connection, and the beauty of new beginnings, all while honoring her purpose and faith. Read more>>

Skadanko Xoxo

My optimism comes from the most inner child like mind frame inside my brain. The most expressive ways I can find my way of being my creative self is playing my guitar.
I find a sense of familiarity when I think of my family or a past loved one whom I dealt with in recent years of doing music or being in the studio with my best friends. It comes a time when a man/woman must find what is his/hers ” deepest desires” not through televised programming but what is the first thought on his/ her mind when they wake up from a slumber. What is your drive for today ? Read more>>

Michelle Sakhai

My optimism comes from my belief in the transformative power of art. Creativity has a healing force that can touch people on a deeply emotional and spiritual level. As an artist, I’ve witnessed how creating and experiencing art can inspire hope, bring clarity, and foster connection—not just for myself, but for others as well.

This belief is rooted in my own process. When I paint, I feel a sense of emotional transformation. Working with gold and silver leaf, for instance, reminds me that light can emerge from even the darkest places. That transformation on the canvas mirrors life, where challenges often lead to beauty and growth if we allow ourselves to stay open and positive. When life feels heavy, there’s beauty to be uncovered, just as there’s always a new canvas waiting for creation. Read more>>