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.
Ching-Shan Chang
In recent years, I’ve navigated through various challenges in both my professional and personal life while observing the geographical tensions and political conflicts unfolding worldwide. Through it all, I’ve come to realize that being alive and having a roof over my head is truly a privilege. Read more>>
LESLIE MIRELES
One thing that I learned at a young age is to hold on to hope when things seem hopeless. There were many moments where I had to overcome adversity and rejection which turned out to be redirection and opportunity. Read more>>
Ronnell Luster
I try to stay optimistic no matter what the circumstances are, just hoping that soon the bad things won’t matter or won’t even be remembered. Read more>>
Emily Padan
We have a choice in life; we can either believe it will work out, or we can worry it won’t. Worrying will not bring any success, happiness or peace. It will only cause stress to our mins and bodies. Believing may not bring them about either, but there’s a possibility that it may, and there’s something about hope that keeps us going. Read more>>
Ryan greenspan
Optimism is a powerful thing. Just smiling can trick your mind into believing a bad situation is good. There is a lot of power to thinking and staying optimistic. There is, however, a very fine line between being realistic and optimistic. Between being confident and optimistic. Know the difference and find the balance. Read more>>
Nastassja Olson
My optimism stems from the belief that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Life has taught me that opportunities will inevitably present themselves, and whether I feel ready or not, I strive to seize them and make the very best of them. This approach has taken me far, both in my business and personal life. Read more>>
Jakarey King
If you do not believe in you and your dream than you cannot expect anyone else to do the same. There could be a tiny bit of doubt, especially when your on the road to accomplishing something so big, but you have to continue to show up as the best version of you. I remain optimistic because I give it my all day in and day out. Read more>>
Paula Muller
In a world often clouded by uncertainty and challenges, it’s natural to wonder where one finds the wellspring of optimism. For me, optimism isn’t a trait cultivated in isolation; it’s nurtured through a deep sense of gratitude and perseverance. Read more>>
Odemi Pessu
I believe that optimism is a way of life that prioritizes my consistent connection with God. I connect with our creator through spending time in nature, creating art, writing poetry, meditating, and so much more. It all just reminds me that God created me to be.a vessel of love and light. So my optimism stems from my knowledge of who I was divinely created to be and the infinite possibilities for growth and expansion that surround every living being on Earth. Read more>>
Megan Shankel
My optimism comes from always having a positive attitude and or out look on any situation.. sometimes it’s hard to see the grass is greener when you’re happy with where you are right now. Read more>>
Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn
My work is about fostering belonging in workplaces and schools, which means I often find myself confronted with situations where the opposite might be happening. People share stories of times they have not been included, about unhealthy, untrusting relationships at work, or about their experiences with overt acts of prejudice and discrimination. Read more>>
Heidi Alldredge
I actually wasn’t a very positive person. In fact I was complaining so much, and waiting to be happy, that I had a friend tell me I was just too negative to be around her anymore. I was shocked. I started to wonder if other people who were dealing with hardships were happy anyway and I found that they were! Read more>>
Tamela Todd
My optimism stems from a combination of personal experience, professional expertise, and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of community and human potential. As a mental health coach, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing individuals overcome tremendous challenges and emerge stronger, more resilient, and happier. This firsthand experience has instilled in me a profound sense of hope and optimism in the human capacity for growth and healing. Read more>>
Colton Tran
From a young age I realized that the energy that you put out is the energy you get back. When I was introduced to making films as a kid, I immediately fell in love. The idea of not chasing that dream is what lit that fire of optimism in me. Read more>>
Susan Cope
My maternal grandmother, whom we called Momo, is the source of my optimism. She did not have a false sense that the world was a wonderful place on its way to perfection. She was an historian who could see patterns of the past and future clearly. However, she also had a sense of her own calling to effect change. Read more>>
Monique Liston
“… can’t be a pessimist. Because I’m alive. To be a pessimist means that you have agreed that human life is an academic matter. So I’m forced to be an optimist I am forced to believe that we can survive whatever we must survive.” – James Baldwin, 1963 Read more>>
Stephani Clymer
I suppose it is a choice! We have so much power over our minds and our belief system and I truly choose to see the best in people, find joy in this crazy journey called entrepreurship and deeply believe that the best of times and the worst of times will ebb and flow. Read more>>
Ken Franklin
My optimism grows naturally out of my faith. I have witnessed many miracles in my life, not only as a family physician, but as a husband and a father. The first was when I was nearing the end of my Family Medicine training. Read more>>
Jennifer Munro
Positive energy is the driving force in my life and I set the intention every morning to focus on positive energy only in every aspect of my life. Regardless of what path our lives take, I feel it is important to always look for the lesson and trust that everything is unfolding the way it needs to in order for us to learn the lessons that we are on this earth to learn. Read more>>
Jennifer Rhode
I am naturally more of a glass is half full than half empty kind of person, but like everyone else, I have moments where I am completely overwhelmed, frustrated, angry or sad. When I was a newer mom, living in Amsterdam and preparing to move back to the states, I had one of those days where everything goes upside down: Read more>>
Deborah Hadfield
My optimism comes from my faith. It fills me with hope that love can prevail, regardless of the challenges and obstacles. The more I create the more confidence fuels my attitude of positivity. Also by taking everything as a blessing and focussing on what I am grateful for it supercharges by optimism. Read more>>
Brandon Reynolds
From an early age—whether it was through books, video games or movies—I’ve always been inspired by characters who personify the Hero’s Journey: a template of stories where a protagonist ventures into the unknown, experiences trying circumstances and, ultimately, builds a team to overcome their struggles and return home triumphant and transformed. Read more>>
Cindy Floyd
I have always tried to be the best at everything I do. I always think positive! I try to stay organized by making lists of the things I would like to accomplish daily. I set goals for myself at home and with my business. Read more>>
Alex Ciaramitaro
My optimism stems from my constant effort to maintain a positive outlook on life and to find the good in people and situations. I firmly believe that there is always something positive to be found, even in challenging circumstances. Read more>>
Gianina Naghavian
In my journey through life, optimism has been my steadfast companion, nurtured by many diverse experiences. Like all of us, I’ve encountered the highs and lows that come. However, what sets us apart is how we choose to navigate and respond to these trials. Read more>>
Carolina Mejias
Since a kid I always being optimism and saw the bright side of every moment and story, because there is the good part, even if is happening what we think we don’t want or isn’t good for us is actually working in our favor and good for us in that moment, Read more>>
Bryan Berry
I’ve always been the type of person that thinks no matter the circumstances or hurdles, there’s always a way to win the day or the moment. That optimistic outlook comes from my faith in God and a certainty about my future, regardless of the current situation. Read more>>
Helen Bohannon
My optimism comes from my faith and sharing my love of music by instructing string instrument students and being a church music director. I love seeing students learn to enjoy playing their instrument and the kids at church enjoy singing about their faith. That gives me lots of optimism to not only see the joy of music but to also see happiness and achievement with young kids and music students. Read more>>
Peggy Lohr
First and foremost, my optimism came from my mom. She was the happiest person and always saw the glass half full. She took pride in the fact that her name was Felice and that name actually means happiness! If I complained about anything, she’d always remind me of what I had to be thankful for. There is always something to be thankful for. Read more>>
Hana Azim
My optimism is innate; it’s a fundamental part of my personality. I tend to stress and feel anxious easily, but even during these low moments, I’m confident that things will eventually turn out okay. I’ve overcome many challenges in the past and the resilience I’ve demonstrated is a reassurance that I will be able to navigate and conquer any obstacles I face now or in the future. Read more>>
Angela Bauter
Coming from someone who was not always optimistic in my younger years – It is a choice! Growing up, getting older, you see hard things happen to people you know and love, and you have hard things happen to you. Of course you can say, well, good things will happen too at some point in the future. But it isn’t just about treading, banking on things getting better. Read more>>
