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.

Kellie Doherty

My mom instilled in me this deep well of optimism. When I was a teenager (and younger), I didn’t like the “look on the bright side of life” attitude my mom had and shared with me. I was angsty and bored and quite frankly, kind of a rebellious in my own way. Read More>>

Coach Babajo

My optimism was born in difficulty, not in its absence because the dawn is reached by the way of the night.

It comes from remembering that every wound heals and every winter turns to spring. However, I don’t grasp hope like a breakable object. Instead, I walk with it. I’m not a man who refuses to acknowledge the storm but appreciates the rain and believes the sun will rise again. Read More>>

Josh Lundquist

I’ve asked myself this before maybe only once or twice. I think it must be a habit. I had a dad who was all about positive thinking, being patient, etc. As a teenager it got almost annoying how positive he was. And now having grown up and gone through so much, I have found that optimism really is more than just positivity. Read More>>

Sandu Sirbu

For me, optimism comes from a deep desire to make a real impact—on people, on communities, on everything I’m involved in. Life is full of choices, and while some people find a problem for every solution, I try to find a solution for every problem. We get to decide how we show up every single day, and that choice has power. Read More>>

Vevina Flores

I’ve loved art since I was a kid—it’s always been my way of making sense of things. Growing up was rough, but I like to think all those struggles led to something bigger, like little stepping stones to where I am now. Honestly, I feel like so many good things have come my way because I kept pushing through. Read More>>

Abhilasha Singh

Growing up in India in the 1980s, societal expectations often revolved around men being the achievers and women staying within traditional roles. However, my parents broke that norm. They raised my brother and me with complete equality, always encouraging me to pursue every opportunity that came my way. Read More>>

Hyeon Hong

I believe my optimism comes from my experiences and the results of my hard work. Even when things didn’t go as planned, I have seen and experienced that dedication and persistence often lead to success. This has strengthened my belief that consistent effort brings opportunities and that the more I challenge myself, the more doors will open. My optimism is not just a mindset but a result of the effort I put in every day. Read More>>

Shawn Crystal

My optimism is learned. After years of struggle and negative thinking, I realized I had become my own obstacle. Through some self help books, yoga, and mediation, I learned to look at the positive side of things and that happiness was a choice. These days I am happy and focused! Read More>>

Celena “Sunshine” Thomas

Honestly, seeing how much good is out there, even when things get tough, that’s a big part of it. Being a mom to my two grown sons, I’ve seen them bounce back from stuff, and it reminds you that people are stronger than they think. Read More>>

Jennifer Land

I love the whimsy and small pleasures in life. Once I worked through and released the overabundance of a lot of my negative emotions and figured out how to balance my life in simple, but effective, ways, I was able to really start digging into that almost child-like side of myself again.
I love to have moments of mindfulness and find things to appreciate. Read More>>

Keith Andrews

My optimism comes from being blessed to wake up every day and having the opportunity to pursue my passion for filming consistently. There is someone out there who has the eye, talent, and everything else to be a great filmmaker as well, but the cards of life might not be in their favor, so I don’t take these opportunities for granted at all. I maximize the 86,400 seconds the most high blessed me with. Read More>>

Steffenie Jenkins

Being a mom is the source of my optimism. My boys have given me the strength and determination to be positive and do everything I can for them to show them the most love possible. I was a single mom with my oldest son during my pregnancy and the first year of his life, and that experience taught me invaluable lessons. Read More>>