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.

Lily Li

My optimism actually comes from two places that might seem contradictory at first: trust and pessimism.
I think it stems from a kind of trust in myself. For instance, I’ve always believed that I won’t betray others, and somehow, that belief extends outward—I believe most people won’t betray me either. In a way, optimism is like a projection of how we treat the world. If I carry myself with integrity and honesty, I tend to expect the same from others. It’s not naïve—it’s rooted in how I choose to show up. Read More>>

Katrina Kelley

My optimism comes from believing in the purpose behind what I’m building. Cigar Bella isn’t just a business—it’s about elevating tradition, creating memorable experiences, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

Even when challenges come up, I stay focused on the bigger vision and the impact we’re making. Seeing our **cigar rollers** shine at events and hearing how much guests loved the experience reminds me that the work matters—and that keeps me moving forward with confidence and hope. Read More>>

Laurie Vodnoy Wright

Such great questions!.

Where do we learn to be optimistic and resilient. I learned from a very early age from my parents. They were very optimistic. I believe they lived through kindness by giving to others. Both of my parents were very involved in the arts community. Music, theater, painting, drawing, and ballet were immensely important to them. I started ballet and violin at 4 however my impression began before birth. It was my heritage. Read More>>

Johnny Joy

My optimism comes from the fact that I’ve seen rock bottom — and climbed out of it. I’ve faced death, battled two decades of addiction, and lost my sister to an overdose over 20 years ago. But I’ve also earned 11 years of sobriety and a second chance at life. That kind of journey rewires you. It teaches you to see the true beauty in life — not the filtered kind, but the raw, unshakable kind that comes from survival. My optimism isn’t blind; it’s earned. Read More>>

Lucas Dreitlein

Optimism has always been a key component in my life since I was young. I believe having an optimistic view on life is one of the most important qualities to have to ensure happiness. When I was in elementary school and throughout middle school, I had faced multiple challenges, obstacles, and changes in my life and family that the one thought that helped me continue working and studying was “Things will get better with time.” Read More>>

 Justina

I believe we’re all here on Earth with a certain “mission” to experience and learn certain things. I also deeply believe that everything happens to us for a divine reason, and in turn, things are really happening for us and not to us. So, with these two principal ideas, it’s very difficult to not stay optimistic because life is always flowing in the way that it needs to for us and in the direction it’s meant to. Read More>>

Deb Miller

I’ve always leaned optimistic, but I earned my real optimism the hard way—by living through chapters that didn’t go as planned and deciding to rewrite the happy ending.

That’s the heart of my memoir, “Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness.” I stopped waiting for Prince Charming, got on my own white horse, and found something better than the fairy tale: a life I built on my terms. Read More>>

 Spitfire Sparks

This question stuck out to me today, so I decided to run with it. People tend to ask me this fairly regularly, and sometimes I feel like I have the perfect answer, and other times I’m completely stumped. On my best days my optimism comes from the fact that I feel truly blessed to have a chance to thrive at life and create the reality of the dreams that I have in my mind. Everything is filled with hope, luck feels as if its shining on me, the wind is at my back, and things just feel smooth. Like cruising with a current, just flowing as it progresses me forward. These days are easy to be optimistic, and I feel like that can be a double edged sword for people.. Read More>>

Dalton Pope

Having optimism is an important aspect in my life. As a filmmaker and husband, optimism is what helps me to stay strong and true to who I am. My grandfather always had a way of finding positivity in any situation, which made me look up to him more. I feel that learning this trait has allowed me to overcome many of life’s obstacles while staying true to myself. Read More>>

Elizabeth Worrell

My optimism comes from a deep belief in growth—both personal and collective. I’ve faced challenges that could have easily discouraged me, but each time, I’ve seen how persistence, learning, and the right mindset can turn obstacles into opportunities. I also draw strength from the people around me—my mentors, team, and community—who constantly remind me that progress is possible, even when it’s slow. Optimism, for me, isn’t blind positivity; it’s the decision to keep moving forward with hope and purpose. Read More>>

Kareena Solanki

As an artist, my optimism stems from asking meaningful questions through my work. While art cannot save the world by itself, I believe in its inherent power to facilitate change within societies and transform thought. Art unites people across all walks of life, bringing communities together and creating space for multiple narratives to coexist while encouraging critical thinking about the present moment. In a world with fissures and fractures, I feel optimistic about contributing to spaces that facilitate change, transformation and openness. Read More>>

Mimi Nichole

My optimism blossoms from many areas of my life, deeply rooted in seeds planted during my childhood. As a little girl, I witnessed both of my parents maintain a positive attitude even during incredibly tough times. Their example showed me that optimism isn’t just a feeling, it’s a lifeline. It was literally what got our family through some of our hardest moments. Read More>>

Brooke Morrison

My optimism was born in a hospital bed.

After a traumatic brain injury left me in a coma as a child, I had to relearn how to walk, talk, and simply be in the world again. Most people don’t remember their second first steps—but I do. And when you’ve had to fight that hard just to exist, you stop taking life for granted.

That experience gave me an unshakable sense of perspective. I know what it feels like to be completely dependent, and I know the triumph of reclaiming your independence—one shaky step at a time. So now, even on the hardest days, I can still find gratitude. I can still find awe. I can still find joy. Read More>>

Dean And Gertie Explore The World

Our optimism comes from a combination of our family bond, our lifestyle, and our kids—Dean and Gertie—who keep us grounded and inspired. Living on the road isn’t always easy, but seeing the world through their eyes makes every challenge feel like part of the adventure. They remind us to laugh, stay curious, and focus on the good. As a family, we’ve learned to roll with the punches (and tire blowouts) and find joy in the unexpected. Every sunrise in a new place gives us a fresh perspective—and that’s where the real optimism kicks in. Read More>>

Angely Callejas

For me, optimism isn’t just a mindset, it’s become a daily habit. Each day, I try to focus on the good in my life, to appreciate how far I’ve come, and to stay hopeful about where I’m going. I carry my past with gratitude, live in my present, and dream about the future. I know my life today is so much better than it used to be, and that gives me strength.

My personal mantra is: Everything happens for a reason and if it doesn’t happen, that’s for a reason too. On my hard days, I hold on to that truth. I trust in God and in His timing. He knows my heart, my dreams, and my path even when I don’t see the full picture yet. Read More>>

Giseleine Chain Dogon

My optimism comes from a deep belief that everything in life happens for me, not to me. That mindset has carried me through some of the hardest seasons of life—personally and professionally. I’ve learned to trust that even challenges are part of the path, and that the best things are always making their way to me, even if it doesn’t look like it in the moment. I know some people see that as naive, but I’d call it grounded optimism. I’m realistic about the work and the odds—but I still choose to believe in possibility Read More>>

 Jenn Hurless

I think my optimism was shaped early on by watching my mom navigate a job she didn’t love. As a kid, I remember feeling frustrated—not with her, but with the idea of feeling stuck. I’d ask, “If you don’t like it, why don’t you find something else?” and she’d say, “Because we need the money.” Even though I didn’t fully understand the complexities of adult responsibilities back then, that experience stuck with me. It taught me something powerful: I never wanted to live in a state of dissatisfaction without at least trying to change it. Read More>>

Amy Sems

My optimism comes from my faith in God. He has given me SO much to be grateful for, and every day before bed I go on my knees and think about all the things from that day that I can be thankful for. Even when life is hard, I remind myself that those difficulties won’t last forever, and there’s always hope for the future. Plus, hard times often help us develop character, which is another thing to be thankful for. Read More>>

 ARARAT VARDANYAN

My optimism comes from a deep desire to create a bright and meaningful future for my family. I’ve always believed that with the right mindset, challenges can become opportunities, and that belief drives me forward every day. Knowing that my actions today can shape a better tomorrow for the people I love keeps me focused, motivated, and hopeful, even during difficult times. I also try to approach life with gratitude, which helps me maintain a positive outlook and see the potential in every situation. Read More>> 

Sofi Ronning

The world is a lot more difficult these days, and I think it’s important to distinguish between positivity and optimism. I grew up within a household of a lot of toxic positivity that encouraged me to not talk about hard feelings like sadness and pain, and I found it only led to depression and anxiety for me.

Being convinced to feel positive or look on the brightside even while facing really intense harm and abuse, didn’t fix what my body and emotions were trying to tell me and just made me hardened to the world. The less I allowed myself to feel honestly, the more angry and hateful I felt inside, and the less I was able to connect or empathize with others. Read More>>

Marie Garcia

My optimism comes from having overcome challenges I have faced. Whenever I feel concern, worry, anxiousness, or fear, I stop to remember what I have been able to overcome before and how it has actually prepared me for the current challenge. My optimism comes from shifting my perspective. I cannot control everything that happens to me but I can control how I react to it and remember that life will go on so I too must “go on” focusing on what is still good and the good that will grow from my today. Read More>>

Greyson Campbell

For me that really comes down to my faith and my family. I am blessed that both my parents and my sisters have always supported me chasing music, and since I met my wife in college she has always been right there when I have had doubts pushing me forward. I also believe that no matter where I end up, it will be where God wants me. It is far easier to push past all the no’s and other disappointments that come with this dream knowing that if there is a door God wants me to walk through, He will open it, I don’t have to kick it down. Read More>>

Cait Russell

When we look at autism, neurodiversity, and disability, there can be a lot of jarring statistics – from high unemployment to lack of access to services and education. We’re certainly not at a point of equity for the disabled and neurodivergent community. However, in the positions I have held, I have been so fortunate to work with so many incredible people trying to solve these problems – whether it’s through founding a business, running a nonprofit, dedicating their time and talent to the cause, or advocating for better ways. Read More>> 

Justin Dixson

I have to honestly say I was born with it. Always glass half full. I won an optimist award in 4th grade and did t know what it was. My smile, my joy I rather my impact be positive than nasty. Read More>>