Perspectives on Being an Optimist

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.

Nadia Espinosa

My optimism comes from my faith in that higher power that guides us all. I wouldn’t call myself a religious person but I am a spiritual and I’ve spent the last 37 years getting to know myself and my dharma (purpose) here. From a young age, my mother instilled faith in me and my abilities and that also really helped me navigate life with more confidence. She definitely always instilled this sense of knowing that everything would be ok and she was right. Read more>>

Jeremiah Woodard

My optimism comes from trying not to overthink too much. I have the tendency to overthink. I’ll take a picture, look at it a bunch and start to notice small things that I don’t like and just won’t post them at all. I do beat myself up a lot, I’ve been working on that too. Not beating myself up too much just because I want something to be perfect. Read more>>

Dane Drebin

My optimism comes from seeing the amazing future my family, my business, and myself have in store. This business gets me so excited because I see an avenue to give my family the life they deserve. I grew up poor and I want to change that. I want to Make this business into something that can make generational money for my kids kids. That might be lofty goals but I truly believe that it’s in the future. BartenderForHire has so much potential the only thing to do now is to do it. Read more>>

Tyler Tittle

Go find somewhere in the middle of nature and take a sharp, deep breath and just look around you. Listen to the birds chirp and dance in the branches above, the scuttling of squirrels and chipmunks across the ground. There is such beauty in the world around each of us that if we just take a moment and unplug, we are almost reborn in the stillness that brings. I draw a lot of my optimism in the patterns of nature and the ways the plants and animals react to not just humans, but storms, and the changing of the seasons. Read more>>

Marcela Herrera

Now, that’s a question I am often asked. It certainly didn’t arise from a carefree existence. There’s something to say about perseveringly through life’s challenges and I’ve certainly have had my share ( and then some). It is, however, that realization that only comes from those experiences; every single day is a gift and it’s the mundane existence and the small things in life one appreciates most when you are unable to partake in (whether physically, mentally or emotionally), It does help to have some victories, to work hard and see the fruits of your labor. Read more>>

Yuichi Iida

I believe that the work we do is given by God and universe. So when we work hard everyday, God and universe protect us. I believe that both good things and bad things happen for reasons for us to grow, and we learn something everyday to improve. So when bad things happen, I just accept them and try to learn something by solving the issue. And I always try to think that it could be worse. When good things happen, I give thanks and keep working the best we can. Read more>>

Tevin Evans

I think by nature as a native New Yorker by default our nature is to be a bit pessimistic. NYC more so than any other city in the US is a massive hub that can be extremely overwhelming and so it makes sense that our mindsets would lean towards pessimism. I’ve always challenged that, I’m not sure if it’s my rebellious nature or how I was raised but optimism always felt more true to my outlook on the world around me. Read more>>

Sensual by Celena

My optimism is deeply rooted in my natural disposition and upbringing, where I was encouraged to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Additionally, my faith provides a solid foundation, instilling hope and purpose in my journey. I’m mindful of the content I consume, actively choosing positivity through books, articles, and media. Positive affirmations are a daily practice, reinforcing a can-do attitude. Music serves as a constant mood-lifter, and I use visualization techniques to picture success. Read more>>

Rachel Mambach

This is the easiest interview question I’ve ever had to answer. My optimism definitely comes from my mom and my maternal grandmother. My grandmother was a Jewish teenager in Eastern Europe during World War II. Even with all the horrors she had seen and heard about in her lifetime, she chose to always focus on the positive and believed that people are innately good. She passed this down to her children (my mother and uncle), and they passed it down to their children (my brother, my cousins, and me). My mom says she’s a realist, but she’s an optimist who understands the reality of the world. Read more>>

Melissa Copenhaguen

My optimism stems from a fusion of experiences. Throughout my upbringing, negativity was a common aspect within my family, encouraging an environment of depression, anxiety, and eventual illness. This prompted my quest for knowledge and change, realizing this path was not favorable to my well-being. I delved into self-help books and discovered insights into the law of attraction, understanding the significant role mindset plays in shaping one’s days and life. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to developing positivity daily. Read more>>

Brandy Robidoux

I’ve always been a glass half full person, and I think a lot of optimism, at least for me, is inherently there. However, I do think it’s possible for us to train ourselves to operate from place of optimism on a day to day basis. There is no contesting the fact that optimistic people tend to have better lives, more fulfilling careers, and are overall happier. Optimism can be the difference between letting a parking ticket ruin your day or understanding that we can appreciate the good without the bad. Read more>>

Tyler Minor

Staying optimistic in the face of adversity is a powerful tool that can positively impact our lives. Throughout my journey of self-healing and mindfulness, I have delved into the concept of the law of attraction and its influence on our thoughts, actions, and overall well-being. By becoming mindful of every thought and reaction, I started to understand the importance of positivity and its effects on my life. I realized that if I focus on positive thoughts and reactions, positive things will come my way. On the other hand, if I focus on negative thoughts and emotions, I will attract negativity. Read more>>

Shannon Mello

My optimism is something that ebbs and flows constantly. I believe that thoughts become actions and that beginning with positive thinking is key. I am a huge believer in manifestation, the more detailed, the better. I think it originated at a young age from my dad. My dad had a very “can do” attitude. This paired with his many talents led me to think that it must have come from his mental state. It became an almost “I dare you” conversation with myself. I am a huge risk taker and problem solve my way out of situations that don’t work out quite as planned. Read more>>

Jiarui Cai

I draw inspiration from the developmental narrative of bamboo. During its initial stages, bamboo exhibits a notably gradual growth, remaining inconspicuous above the soil for a duration of four years. Subsequently, from the fifth year onward, bamboo undergoes an exponential growth phase at a rate of 30-40 centimeters per day. Analogously, a dedicated pursuit of my passions may entail challenges and go unnoticed initially; nevertheless, steadfast commitment holds the promise of eventual recognition. Read more>>

Tabitha Brogdon

Not to promote myself or books – below this 3-part series from my book summaries my personal journey and where my optimism comes from. I kept a secret for 11 months and 6 days, that I was living alone with my 7-year-old and 11-month-old siblings. We were abandoned and I was just 15 years old! To provide for my siblings, I kept many secrets … BIG secrets…, until now! After opening the cabinets and realizing I only had 2 Ritz crackers left to feed myself and siblings, I eventually became a Ward of the State. I bounced in between 6 Caregivers and Foster Parents. Read more>>

LaMar “Smoktagous77” Johnson

My optimism came from a period in my life between the years of 2008 – 2012. Those were the hardest years I have ever faced as a husband, father & provider. However, through it all, I continued to trust in God and remained optimistic. I had to trust in my belief and know that all things would work out for the good. Even amid oppression and darkness, the SUN will shine and all will be fine. I had to remember the lyrics to a great song by Sounds of Blackness – ” As long as you keep your head to the sky, you can win. Be Optimistic”… Read more>>

Laura McCann

I wouldn’t define myself as an optimist because I am so analytical and have a strong predisposition to being focused, heads down and getting things done. However, I have incredible will power and confidence and trust myself. These qualities allow me to see solutions instead of problems. I think like and artist and an engineer. I tackle problems like a dog does a bone. It’s in my nature. Read more>>

Michele Gwin

When I first became a licensed real estate agent, I had an incredible mentor who gave me a bunch of great advice. Perhaps the BEST advice I received was; never talk badly about the market. There is always an opportunity for a client regardless of economic factors. Though I wasn’t entirely sure exactly what she meant at the time, I learned really quickly that what she meant was; positivity breeds positivity. AND regardless if it’s a buyers OR a sellers market, there is an opportunity for the right client in any market. Negativity turns people off, big time! Read more>>

Jennifer Shaver

My optimism has always been rooted in the belief that maintaining a positive attitude, even in challenging situations, is crucial. While not every moment in life is joyful, embracing an attitude of gratitude has been my key to staying positive and moving forward in all circumstances. I find that focusing on the positive aspects, even in adversity, helps me navigate challenges with resilience and optimism. Read more>>

Jourdan Shelton

I have been dealt a hand at life full of adversity and trauma. I have lived through a debilitating car crash, the loss of my brother, and multiple other set backs. However, through it all I have always held my head high and appreciated the second chances in life. I live everyday to its fullest potential and rarely look back. I seize the day and I am extremely grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. I embrace life with a positive outlook and an extremely optimistic view of life. I love deeply, laugh loudly, and live unapologetically.

Dahlia Canes

Optimism? Certainly this comes from the many dogs I’ve worked with, saved and have been by side. No matter the circumstances, the conditions they were facing, the trials and tributes, the gleem in their yes never dimmed. They are the reason I never gave up. Read more>>

Rosia Parrish

My optimism comes from the profound life experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. Growing up as a latch-key kid in a “free-range parenting” environment, I was tasked with taking care of myself from an early age. While it was undoubtedly challenging, this experience cultivated in me a sense of self-reliance and resilience. It taught me to navigate life’s ups and downs independently and made me acutely aware of the challenges that others face when they must go it alone. Read more>>

Laura Brennan Ballet

As I virtually travel around the globe, speaking about The Science of Empowerment, people are always asking me, are you really this happy? And they certainly comment on my optimism! Yes, I am one of those individuals who sees the higher possibility in all conditions. I begin to explain, that I too, face challenges, however, I have practiced the state of Neutrality more often than the state of Negativity. It is an energetic muscle, and once you begin to develop the strength and resilience activated by the application of the J3=E Formula, an empowered life is consistently supported. When you are able to recalibrate a negative thought or experience with speed, you no longer stay connected to the emotional reaction. Read more>>

Assaf Raz

My optimism’s roots are within the conviction that no other valid option exists. I once saw a short video of a man who explained, over a drawing board, that there is no value in “worrying.” This entertaining clip was the closest I ever found as a likeness to my thinking. Embracing the above rationale made it impossible to consider any other path in life. Read more>>