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.

Regina Martinelli

I’ve always had it as a kid and never questioned it until I became an adult b/c there was so many people who didn’t believe I was naturally happy. They’d ask if I was taking something. This caused a bit of wobbliness b/c I started questioning if I was normal and even tried to hide it a bit, tone it down. It was after much inner work that I allowed myself to really own my optimism. And in that quest for my own permission I understood the key to it all. When things get rough or there are signs of potential struggles on the horizon I first ask myself how far in the future am I trying to account for? Meaning if I’m in overwhelm about what’s happening then I am too far in the future trying to control or predict all the possible future outcomes that could happen.  Read More>>

 João Hannuch

My optimism comes from the fact that I’m absolutely obsessed with what I do. Of course, even the most die-hard optimist has their “why did I sign up for this?” moments. But I’ve learned that if you’re creating an art form that’s basically built on resistance, you have to cling to optimism like a life raft. And I try to pass that on to everyone who works with me—especially as a leader. After all, we should be able to laugh, even through chaos. Read More>>

Jill Dearman

I think optimism and confidence have always been closely linked for me. When I was in high school I was in the theater program. Our group included all performers and one writer: me. So I thought, why not write the school play? It was incredible to have a dream and then imagine it into reality. Similarly, in college I thought it would be fun to DJ, as I’d always been obsessed with music. My friend’s brother knew about stereo equipment and I used my student loan refund to buy turntables he recommended. I already had a ton of vinyl and asked my buddy up at school to show me how to mix. Next thing you know I was DJing on campus every Wednesday and Friday night. I was into astrology from a young age, and had been practicing doing chart readings on friends and family for many years. Read More>>

Courtney Bell

My optimism comes from extreme loss, heartache, and a long period of depression, which is a form of PSTD. After a hospitalization right before my 32 birthday and then going to both group and individual therapy sessions, I have gained skills have allowed me to transform my outlook to overall optimistic. Life is fleeting, and no one is promised tomorrow; I live my life to the fullest and I love hard. Optimism is contagious and I love uplifting others. Read More>>

Leonardo Huertas

Optimism doesn’t only come from attitude. It is a trainable skill, just like a tennis shot we must train it, and for that we need 3 main sources. Preparation, strong mentality and experience. Internal dialogue is key to seeing opportunities instead of problems. Read More>>

Jessica K. Foster

My optimism stems from a theory of nothing risked, nothing gained. Sometimes publishing can feel like a lot of rejection, marketing can seem like a slog that doesn’t garner the returns I might have hoped for, author events can be sparsely populated, or inspiration can feel out of reach. That doesn’t mean that I have failed that aspect of my career or even that I have failed that day. I think it’s important to pan out of situations that seem futile or tough and ask the important question of “What if I never tried?” I think that being an author is ever-changing and about adapting to the obstacles as they occur.  Read More>>

 Lebarron Durant

My optimism comes from my faith and my personal history of seeing things work out for the best. Even during tough times when I feel impatient, I know from experience that challenges eventually lead to positive outcomes—even if I can’t see it at first. This track record of good results, despite delays or hardships, continually reinforces my belief that everything will ultimately turn out well. Read More>>

Sarah  cooperman

Wildlife rehabbers are intimately familiar with some of the more devastating impacts of humanity: the baby foxes whose mother was shot simply for existing, the birds whose nest was destroyed during logging for a new development, the groundhogs injured after someone tried to destroy up their den with explosives, the animals burned by forest fires or floods driven by anthropogenic climate change —  Read More>>

Tamisha Williams

My optimism is rooted in two powerful foundations: my faith and my community.
Growing up, I wasn’t the child with a clear vision of my future career or adult life. I lived in the moment, following my passions and interests wherever they led. When I reached college and saw peers with seemingly clear paths, doubt crept in. Would my less-defined journey lead to success? Yet even in those moments of uncertainty, something deep within me knew that my unique path was valid. Read More>>

Micah Gregory

I strive to maintain a sense of separation from the world around me—not by dissociating, but by recognizing that I am the coffee bean in every situation. When coffee beans are subjected to high pressure, they don’t break down—they transform their environment, creating something entirely new. Read More>>

Brock Weatherup

Optimism is a virus that thrives when well fed and how amazing it was for me. It is my believe that all people have the foundational elements to be strong optimists yet the world isn’t so easy to keep it there and it takes lots of reinforcement for it to become strong which is centered on those around you. Read More>>

Brittnay Pozen

Optimism is a choice I make every day. It’s easy to let negativity take over, especially in industries like modeling and cosmetic tattooing, where criticism and self-doubt can creep in. But I’ve learned that when you choose to be optimistic, life simply gets better. It shifts your energy, opens doors, and attracts more opportunities. People are drawn to positivity, and when you believe in yourself and your path, others start to believe in you too. Optimism isn’t about ignoring challenges; it’s about facing them with the mindset that you’ll overcome them and come out even stronger. Read More>>

Elijah Rashad

When I think about optimism, I see it as a form of curiosity—not skeptical, but fueled by faith, even in difficult circumstances. Optimism keeps hope alive. It’s the drive to keep pushing forward, growing, making change, and defying the odds, big or small. For me, optimism reminds me of my mom, who remained hopeful while raising our family against all challenges, prioritizing a better future for us. Read More>>

Edwidge Michel

My source of optimism comes from being deeply rooted in my faith as a believer in Jesus Christ. I also keep a great circle of family, friends, and mentors around who keep me grounded and accountable. Seeing others succeed despite challenges reminds me that I can too.” Read More>>

Bruce “allone” Pandolfo

Optimism has always seemed like the only way forward. If you’re pessimistic there’s no reason to progress, and that’s just now time works. Even when I am full of doubts and at my lowest, the light through this (Aside from the catharsis of art and the sanctuary of community) is the notion that the only way to forge ahead is to believe there’s a reason to do so, even if you can’t see the destination, there’s intrinsic value in the journey. My most recent mantra and epiphany has been “There’s no such thing as false hope” Hope is self-affirming. We hold onto it no matter how unlikely, warmed by the hearth of its vulnerable insistence on triumph over anything, and we keep living and loving. Read More>>

Genie German

Remember the three wise monkeys?
The first monkey covers its eyes—”See no evil.”
The second monkey covers its ears—”Hear no evil.”
The third monkey covers its mouth—”Speak no evil.” Read More>>

Sarah Peck

In looking at the word “Optimism”, it is defined in a few ways by the dictionaries-that-be. The part which resonates most with me, is this: Optimism is “an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events…” (Merriam-Webster). Read More>>

Angelica Reyes

I would say life in general. The world is going to keep spinning no matter what life throws at us. We need to appreciate what we have and be grateful of what’s provided to us. Sunlight, water, food, family, pets, children, it surrounds us in our every day lives. I used to be someone who wanted to be in control over everything. I thought if I stayed in something I didn’t like, eventually, I’d adapt to like it. I was 100% wrong. If anything, I slowly but surely was disrespecting myself and only focusing on outcomes that were just not coming true. I didn’t look at the other side, where the grass was greener. I didn’t look at the side where I have goals, desires, things I want to accomplish in life. Therefore, I looked and just kept looking forward. Read More>>

Megan Smit

When I look at the world around me, a story unfolds of my own choosing. The way we tell our story matters, and there is power in the noticing and the telling. In every story, there are heroes, victims, villains, sorcerers and more. Two people could be looking at the same scene – perhaps a fender bender at a busy intersection – and one could see the broken car and the victim of the universe’s bad timing while perhaps the other sees the kindness in the pedestrians coming to help the scene and feels the deep gratitude that nobody was hurt. Read More>>

Sami Wiley

I’ve always been a problem solver. With years of experience in sales and client relations, my goal has always been to offer the best customer service and create memorable experiences. Being solution-oriented allows me to understand my clients’ unique wants and needs when it comes to their personal spaces and styles. While a client might see an area of their home as a problem or an incomplete space, I see it as an opportunity to bring their vision to life, personalize it, and help them tap into their own creative expression. Read More>>

Jasmine Hunter

My optimism come from the joy and representation Melanated mermaids parties bring to little Black girls. Seeing their faces light up when they see a mermaid that looks like them fuels my spirit. Plus, we aren’t just entertainment —Im also teaching water safety while helping kids conquer fears, and creating a magical space where they feel seen and included. When parents show their gratitude, it adds even more warmth to what I do. It’s like my work is a mix of healing, joy, and purpose, and that energy naturally keeps my outlook bright! Read More>>

Denise Decclessis

My optimism comes from the experiences in my life raising a child with severe autism. 24 years ago when Vincent was diagnosed, I had a choice to make, feel sorry for myself, or learn as much as possible to give him a successful life. The only outcome I could accept was to never give up hope. I needed to believe in myself, that I could educate myself enough to teach my son how to overcome his challenges. I viewed his hardships as learning experiences and trained my mind to believe these were setbacks and not permanent situations. The more positive I stayed, the more success my son had. Read More>>

Aneisha Reid

My optimism comes from the passion and purpose behind Sorority Supply. This business was born out of a need—to provide stylish, high-quality apparel that truly represents sorority women. Seeing our customers light up when they receive their custom jackets, hearing their stories of sisterhood, and knowing we’re contributing to a legacy keeps me motivated. The demand for what we offer continues to grow, and that tells me we’re on the right path. Optimism is what fuels the vision—believing that Sorority Supply will not just be a brand but a staple in the Greek community for years to come. Read More>>