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.
Dr. Bianca ‘Mz Bee’ Lee
My optimism flows from the very core of my being, nourished by a multitude of life experiences, resilience, and a profound belief in the power of purpose. From a young age, I discovered the incredible strength that lies within vulnerability, allowing me to embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for growth. Read More>>
Brian & Lindsay Schlick
Our optimism comes from a mindset that there is always a way to find a solution to a problem. We often use the phrase “Over, Under, Through”. Which means if you are blocked from doing something one way, then try a different direction or tactic, and if that doesn’t work try a different way again. Our theory is, if you want something badly enough, if you value something so much, you are going to find a way to make it happen. Read More>>
Chad Gerber
Being a somewhat “hardwired” negative person, my optimism comes from a personal experiment I did for about a year. I made a conscious effort to avoid participating in negative conversations and outlooks. It ended up having an incredible impact on my life. Read More>>
Emma Ambrose
I started thinking about making candles in 2019, I lived on a farm with my ex and his family. I wanted to render pig fat and mix it with an undetermined wax and make candles. The pig fat was often not bought at markets and they had BOXES of it. I gave up on that idea when the relationship turned sour and abusive. Read More>>
Andreina Fuentes Angarita
I am not quite certain where my optimism came from but since I am a little girl I had live reflected on the positive aspects of life. I remember my summer camp guides telling me that I should have a bottle production corporation to distribute my optimism to the rest of the world! I was 15 years old. The equivalent word for optimism in Spanish is ” Alegria” And I have an aunt who decided to name her self “Algeria”. She is now 87 years old. Definitely could be a family gene. Read More>>
Aria
I believe my optimism comes from not thinking nothing bad will ever happen, but rather understanding that if something bad does happen, I have the ability and the skillsets to overcome it. Read More>>
Zachary Lambert
What I think is important is to distinguish between optimism and blind ambition as the two can be easily confused. The latter can prevent you from knowing when a bad idea has run it’s course and allow you to not only continue down a toxic path, but lead those who follow you down the path as well. Optimism is different. Read More>>
Kelli Ann Morgan
My optimism, I believe, has its roots in both my disposition and my experiences, ultimately shaped by the choices I’ve made along the way. My life is guided by the philosophy that life is what you make of it. From a young age, I’ve had a natural inclination toward optimism. Life, however, has a way of testing one’s resolve, and setbacks are a normal part of life. But I realized that in every situation I had two choices—complain and whine about my circumstances, or do something to change them. I choose the latter. Read More>>
Racquel Honoré
Funny. Sometimes I would ask myself this same question. I still do. My optimism is an intergral part of who I am and who I came here to be. It sounds like a cliche, but I try to alway look on the bright side and remain hopeful, even in the darkest or most challenging situations. I believe my optimism comes from an inner strength and faith. Read More>>
Teddy Love
Now If I can be completely honest optimism does take some time to build up especially being any type of entrepreneur. They will be times that you would just like to give up. My optimism comes from hard work and perseverance, everyone that told me “No” or didn’t fully believe in me, even the times that I didn’t believe in myself. Read More>>
Sabrina Palazzo
I’ve spent the past several years deepening my relationship to me through meditation. Although we can use meditation for a variety of reasons, I meditate to remember. When I meditate, I remember in a profound way that I am not my thoughts. Read More>>
Aishwarya Oli
Being an artist, it makes an obvious fact that I have a strong penchant for singing. Singing has been a passion since I was four or five years old as being said in my previous interviews as well. What has been a fun fact about singing is that, it is not limited to only one form but many forms, like assortments of different flavors. Read More>>
Sheri Fink
I’ve always been an optimist. I think I was born with it. Ever since I was a child, I thought everything was possible for me. I get intrigued about an idea and then I visualize it happening over and over again, feeling all the feelings that I’ll have when the dream comes true. When I see someone else succeed, I get excited and think that maybe I could accomplish that, too. Even in times when I feel disappointed and like things aren’t going to happen, I hold out hope for a brighter future. I’ve discovered that there’s more than one way for a vision to come to life and to be open to my goals unfolding in unexpected ways that are even better than my wildest dreams. Read More>>
George Gallagher
“I think the idea of constantly expanding, knowing that there are always more mines to excavate and mountains to climb, and that humanity has been working to improve and ascend to new heights, fills me with energy and optimism. Read More>>
Diane Nierenberg
I feel that this is an important topic to touch on as an artist because we live in a constant rollercoaster of emotions. Art is not easy, and neither is being an artist. We tend to be hard on ourselves and we are perfectionists, or at least we have an individual standard of perfectionism that we have to meet. Read More>>
Shaun Paul Piccinino Piccinino
I was lucky enough to grow up in a household that championed artistic expression and endeavors. My mother was a brilliant photographer, writer and sketch artist (I always loved her fantastic doodles she would draw on my school lunch bag every morning in elementary school). Needless to say, she always encouraged any and all of my creative explorations. Read More>>
Alison Masson
This is a great question! My nickname is “Mrs. Positivity.” My glass is always half full and I can find the positivity in any given situation. No matter how bad things get, or how many roadblocks are put in my path, I am able to remain optimistic. Read More>>
Bianca Ellece
The seed was definitely planted by my Dad. He is also a full time entrepreneur, artist and overall dope induvial (@kenburney). My first thought when I hear the word OPTIMISM, takes me back to being in the car with my dad listening to the classic song Be Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness. This was early 90’s and although I was too young at the time to understand how impactful those lyrics were, to this day it stills resonates with me. Read More>>
Kathy Lajvardi
My optimism has its roots in my personal journey, particularly during my time at art school. Graduating from Otis College of Art and Design in 2000, my artistic path began with a focus on fashion. However, the allure of the digital media world captured my heart, leading me to also explore Fine Art. Read More>>
Francisco Gomez-Palacio
My optimism is innate, but it’s been tested throughout my life. I believe you must act as much as possible. Try new things. Take different courses of action. Follow your gut. Follow your heart. Figure out how to balance your heart with your head. Figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are. Fail as often as possible. Read More>>
Brian McGuire
Even through I stress, cry, and throw stuff around from time to time, I would say I am the poster child for optimism. Where that comes from, I would say, it comes from absolutely loving life. All of it. All the pain and the pleasure of it life, I will take it all. And yes, I have had my share of both pain and pleasure. Read More>>
Tina Benbow
Seeing and being in touch with people who have good hearts and intentions.. always restores my faith in the human race. It helps me to see that this thing called life is not as bad as we like to think it is at times. Things do eventually get better.. you just have to believe that and walk with optimism… EVERYDAY. Read More>>
Mark Rogers
Where did my optimism come from? I lived a multi decade experiment where my life went from a total disaster I barely survived to a heaven on earth. When I left home and ventured out on my own after high school, I had a terrible attitude. I thought the world was terrible, people were terrible and on top of that I believed I was unworthy. My early interactions with the world gave me proof of these beliefs. Read More>>
Hraban Luyat
From an early age, I was blessed with a terrible memory. I don’t remember when it started. It may seem unappealing, but I actually strongly recommend it to everyone: remembering things is terrible. Sometimes, people make mistakes, and as if that isn’t bad enough, now they also have to remember them! Living free from the burden of your past mistakes is a sense of happiness. Read More>>
Allie Costa
I’ve always been both optimistic and pragmatic. I’m very hopeful while also being realistic. I automatically see the potential in something and get excited about all the good things that could happen, and I try to handle my expectations so that I’m not deeply disappointed if things don’t go the way I wish they would. Keeping that balance of hope and realism is very important to me. Read More>>
Danya Degen
Optimism is a necessity working in hospitality. There’s a million moving parts and things that can break down at any given time—whether it’s a dishwasher, communication between team members, or a case of wine that was stored improperly before arrival and is now vinegar. Plus, everything is time-sensitive and needs a quick solve. Read More>>
Skye Amber Sweet
Optimism is a beautiful and also scary word. Although it comes in the form of a positive note, optimism can fall short in many ways if things; we as humans do not obtain. I find optimism without always acknowledging it, comes from survival in my own life. As a young child, things seemed to always work out even in the chaos of an abusive family. Read More>>
Monroe Cline
I feel that life is way, WAY too short and precious to be negative. Easier said than done, but I think happiness is a choice. If you can wake up each morning and choose to be optimistic, you’re already winning. And optimism is contagious! Your vibe attracts your tribe. Read More>>
Chanice Ball
My optimism emanates from a natural place within me; it’s an inherent aspect of my being. Throughout my life, I’ve always been naturally inclined towards positivity. While I possess the ability to be able to see things from both sides, my instinctive tendency is to gravitate towards the positive perspective. I hold a steadfast belief in the idea that what you nurture and invest in will inevitably flourish. It’s my desire to cultivate seeds of hope, achievement, and the beauty of outcomes surpassing even my wildest imagination. Read More>>
JEFFREY ERICKSON
I guess my faith in God. There’s something good always coming, even as dark as life and events can get. I can be both realistic and optimistic simultaneously. I’m naturally a glass-half-full guy but do make room for reality, especially when it surprises me. Sometimes I can let it get to me, the harsh realities of the world, but I at least pray for a likely good outcome to occur. Read More>>
Chris McElroy
There are a lot of people who don’t have the means to do what they love for a living. Even on my worst days, I remind myself I get to do what I love and get paid to do it, so I have no reason not to work with a smile every day. Read More>>
Bonnie Cheung Sarkissian
I specialize in designing and crafting meaningful jewelry, primarily engagement rings and wedding bands that symbolize the special union of two people. Being able to be apart of my clients’ journeys and watching them grow together brings me a lot of joy! Read More>>
Marvin Stockwell
I am the host of the Champions of the Lost Causes podcast, and working to finish a book of the same name. Both the podcast and book seek to answer the questions, “Why do people champion causes? What sustains them? What helps them succeed?” My curiosity stems from my nine years championing the cause of saving and reopening the shuttered Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis mid-1960’s midsized arena. Read More>>
Zavawn smith
I am a Male model & influencer. I’ve been featured on Rihanna music video “cheers”, season 10 of VH1 “Basketball wives LA. And most recent featured as a model on “WCCO CBS segment “Promoting Black fashionweek MN. Read More>>
Michael Litten
My family in combination with a lifelong career in sales, management, motivation, and life coaching. I was blessed to participate in some of the finest, cutting edge, high caliber motivation training programs ever developed. Having a positive optimistic outlook was baked into and a common denominator with all the programs. Read More>>
Tristan Simone
My name is Tristan Simone and I was born in the Kingdom of Spain. I am a singer-songwriter and performer from our capital, Madrid, but have been moving around all my life. From a young age, I knew music and entertainment were going to be my future. I’ve been writing records and performing since I was twelve. In many ways, one thing I’ve been very lucky about is knowing early on what I wanted and didn’t. That much was clear to me the day music hit my soul for the first time. Read More>>
Ty Evans
From my early years, I’ve had great examples from my mother and grandmother, to focus on ways to be grateful for what you have and how to make things better. So, my optimism began with my teachings at home. Read More>>
