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.

Vivian Fang Liu

My optimism comes from seeing how resilient people can be, including myself. I’ve been through challenges that at the time felt overwhelming, but I learned that things can shift when I stay hopeful and take small steps forward. Read More>>

Miguel A Lopez

once I realized failing was a part of the journey to success, my mentality really changed. As a creative you are constantly hearing “no”, or “maybe try harder”, or “that doesn’t fit our vision” or even worse…nothing at all. When you are finally able to believe that all of that is part of the process it’s hard to be pessimistic. Letting that negativity in can be dangerous and discouraging, but accepting failure after failure will eventually lead you to the next rung or step is all the while worth it. Read More>>

Heng Li Chong

I don’t have a compelling story or a dramatic event that drives my optimism for the world, or the things that I do. Where it simply came from was the music that I listened to, the friends that I hung out with, my wife, and some simple conjectures.

Just like everyone, I had teenage angst about 10 years ago. During that time, many people and things were driving me nuts because I felt that everyone was somehow terribly self-absorbed, impatient, or judgemental. Many things in the world also made me very angry and upset at that time, specifically poverty, capitalism, politics, and corruption. Read More>>

Sofia Aquino

My optimism usually stems from my desire to survive difficult situations and the belief that we can attract what we truly desire. Life has put me through many lows, but those experiences taught me how to stay positive and keep moving forward.I was born with a condition called sickle cell anemia — a disorder that affects blood circulation and causes chronic pain in different parts of the body. Growing with this condition made me feel diminished and vulnerable — Read More>>

Danica Eakman

Optimism is part of who I am—it’s in my nature. I genuinely love the energetic exchange that comes from putting out good, intentional energy into the world. There’s something powerful about choosing to see the light in every situation; it creates a ripple effect, not just in my own life, but in the lives of those around me. Read More>>

Lauren Stites

It’s funny because I feel like I’ve always been an optimistic person. I can remember when I was a child, trying to help others find the bright side or silver lining to sad situations. Optimism is almost like breathing to me; it’s a natural action, but if I don’t do it, I’ll die. Many people think being optimistic is also being naive, but I disagree with that. You can be optimistic and a realist. I just try not to focus on the negative or bad things that could happen.  Read More>>

Sasha Welter

For me, optimism stems from a few factors. I have learned to bounce back from setbacks and challenges, which has taught me that difficulties are temporary and can be overcome.

Celebrating my accomplishments, no matter how small, has helped me develop a sense of confidence. Read More>>

Dr. Sonia Davidson

My optimism comes from experience—not just the good, but the hard experiences as well. It comes from every season of my life where I was expected to give up, sit still, or settle, and yet I found a reason to press forward. Growing up, I saw struggle up close. Resources were limited, opportunities weren’t handed out, and education seemed like a far-off dream. On top of that, I experienced traumas that could’ve easily shut me down emotionally.  Read More>>

Christopher Roe

I find my optimism to keep pushing my way into the film industry by continuing to grow my knowledge and craft, understanding that I am not better than anyone else but I am only able to be the best I can be. Being optimistic for a career in what seams like a dying industry isn’t easy but I have found surrounding my self with like minded people who want to grow and better them self keeps me going. I am even more optimistic that this industry will pick up again and thousands that have been without work will return. Read More>>

Yo Mark Jean

Optimism is what happens when I cultivate an attitude of gratitude. What I mean is everything and anything that can come at me or happen in life is really an opportunity either for growth or for getting closer to the goal. So if I take everything as an opportunity I’ll be grateful and as a result optimistic. Read More>>

Ryan Cusick

My optimism comes from a mix of life experience, family influence, and an unwavering belief that there’s always something worth holding on to.

Throughout my life, I’ve worked through various demanding situations like holding multiple full-time jobs, starting my own business, and going back to school. Yet, I’ve maintained the belief that my current position is the perfect place for me to learn what I need. Optimism keeps me grounded and moving forward. Optimism drives every new project I initiate while guiding my support for students and establishing connections. Read More>>

Viviane Angélique Ortega

I’m hungry for life. I’m hungry for greatness. And I’m just so inspired by other people. Optimism is definitely a mindset that one can choose to get in and out of. I’ve always been a very positive person in general and I think that comes from how stimulated and interested I am by the world around me. As long as I have a comfortable home to come back to, I don’t think there is any reason to not be optimistic about life. Everything is always yet to come, and that is very exciting to me. Read More>>

Erica Weiss

My sister would say I was born with a sense of optimism since I always seem to find the good in even bad situations. Actually, my optimism comes from her, my family, and the people I love or am inspired by, and the things they’ve accomplished to solve a problem or make our world a better place. Read More>>

Dezire Clarke Meindersee

My generosity comes from a love of sharing joy and connection—especially through experiences rather than material things. I find a lot of fulfillment in offering someone something that lights them up, whether it’s a moment, a memory, or even something I own. If someone compliments something of mine and clearly enjoys it, I often feel compelled to give it to them. It just feels natural. Read More>>

Isaac.

My optimism first & foremost comes from my God in Heaven. I read Biblical stories about Daniel being surrounded by lions & not being harmed at all or Joseph being sold into slavery by his own brothers only to become an Emperor who was then able to share his fortune with those same brothers. I walk the same Earth they once walked. If they can remain optimistic, I can remain optimistic. I also receive optimism from knowing I have more to do & knowing there are young people who could use me as an inspiration to take things further than I ever will. I’m simply a vessel. If I’m not inspiring whoever’s next, I’m not following my calling to the fullest extent. Read More>>