Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society – from entrepreneurs and investors to artists and creatives who believe in something and are optimistic enough to risk their time, money, and reputation. We asked some of the most optimistic folks we know where they think they get their optimism form.
Noël Ill
All the accomplishments I’ve achieved in my career originated from unexpected and unplanned opportunities. They say you can’t accomplish anything just sitting on the couch, but I’ve received career-changing news through my email while I was sitting on my couch. Granted, I had planted the seeds for these opportunities, but moments like that give me optimism. Sometimes, I wonder how I will reach certain goals when I don’t see any indication that my efforts to accomplish these goals are working. Read more>>
Emerson Haro
My partner Tony and I decided to take a trip to visit one of the farms that we imported coffee from and while there I spoke candidly with the patriarch who had been growing and selling coffee for 3 generations and is now passing the baton to his sons. While conversing about how harsh the environment, both agriculturally and economic wise, he gave me some advice that resonates even to this day ‘Much like the jungle is harsh and extreme it is also nurturing and forgiving, we should strive to be that for everyone we encounter. Even when you think your business cannot do much you must continue and if the idea of jealousy or insecurity creep up remember that even in the urban jungle we can be forgiving and nurturing” Read more>>
Martine Ilana
I love to travel and have had incredible opportunities, even a very young age, to visit countries overseas and explore very different cultures from my own. These unique experiences have given me a global perspective on how to value both personal and professional resources around one. I found that frequently, those who may have less access to the support one may expect is needed to be successful both personally and professionally, were So positive and productive in their own lives. I often reflect on this dynamic and aim to achieve much more with less. Ultimately these global experiences have really given me the ’super power’ of optimism and creativity. Read more>>
Josh Brown
I’ve had many people remark about my positive energy and optimistic mindset. I am often asked where it comes from. My optimism comes from knowing: 1) God and “the universe” are extremely generous, especially to those who try their very best. 2) Understanding pain and difficulty is not only unavoidable but absolutely necessary to my success so I will never allow pain to take away from my optimism.. 3) The prophecy of the event causes the event of the prophecy, so why would I choose to be anything other than optimistic? Read more>>
Garik Himebaugh
My optimism comes from chasing after a hard problem and being excited by the possibility of solving it. Fashion has big issues. Less than 5% of clothing makers earn a living wage. Most clothes are made by fossil fuel derived fabrics like polyester. And most clothes end up in a landfill in less than one year. Most of these problems are driven by fast fashion. Read more>>
Leire Baztarrica
I draw inspiration from the incredible individuals around me and the artists I deeply respect. I consistently emphasize the silver linings in every situation. My father, a dedicated artist, has always pursued diverse and ambitious projects throughout his life. Regardless of the outcome, he always embodies perseverance. Read more>>
Leah Gomez
I think there’s a lot that plays into this! I’d say my optimism comes from my mom and all that I learned from her as I grew up, it comes from my unwavering belief that life is what we make it, it comes from daily shifts in my mindset, and it comes from my commitment to continue to improve and push myself forward. Read more>>
Nicolas & Andres Gomezz
Our optimism in both the personal level and as a company comes from seeing the end result of our work and a happy customer. We are in the industry of protecting peoples homes with Impact Windows and Door, seeing the satisfaction of our clients when the work is complete and that we made the process as smooth as possible for them is what keeps us going. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction every time! Read more>>
Angel Figueroa
I consider myself an optimistic. I believe it comes from knowing that I will do my best even in the mundane of the daily tasks. This gives me the confidence that even when things don’t work out the way I wanted, I did my part, which is really the only thing we can control. What WE do. Read more>>
Be Boggs
This is a very relevant question for me, as it is one I ponder almost daily. I am a person who lives with a need for balance. In earlier years of my life, I got caught up on the minutiae of day to day life, living in a constant state of self-defense and suspicion. It was grinding me down to pulp. Something shifted in the midst of 2020 that made me see my actual size, if that’s possible. I’m smaller than granular, and yet what wants to emerge through me is quite grand. All this Art is looking for a way to be, and I don’t have time for negativity. The idea that I even exist is so infinitesimal, that all I want to do is celebrate each moment in my art and life. Read more>>
Kevin Brooks
Phew, that’s a great question. It starts with a healthy support system. Even on the worst of days, I know that I’m surrounded by love and wonderful people that do their best to life up those around them. I try to match that energy and be there however I’m able to. That started with my parents and family. They were always there for me. Not to stop me from failing, but to support the journey of standing back up. Read more>>
Loretta Mitchell
Personally my optimism stems from my faith. Faith in the fact that we are the creators of our own destinies. I am a very spiritually connected spiritual being, living a human experience and one of my experiences is “you get what you give”. It’s a very old saying that we use quite loosely these days but one that has great significance and meaning. The energy we give to others or inject into anything, returns to us. Read more>>
Edurne Fernandez
I have always thought of myself as a very optimistic and positive person. Not only in my business, but also in my personal and professional relationships, and in my everyday life. If you ask my friends, they will tell you that I always find the silver lining in every situation, and I consider that to be one of my strengths. Certainly there are days when it seems that nothing goes right, and it is fair to let one’s guard down from time to time, but it is also vital to remember that even the most successful people have bad days, and that these are an integral part of personal and professional growth. Read more>>
Oxana Melis
From an early age, I learned that there is always a way to solve any problem. When someone says “no way” that means “no good way” or “no acceptable way” for that particular person, but it is only in someone’s mind. Knowing that makes me feel confident and optimistic: I believe in multiple possible solutions. Read more>>
Dani Aquino
In my past, more specifically during times in my childhood and high school, were some of the lowest points of my life where I don’t think I will ever reach again. I was down bad bad haha. It wasn’t until I reached a spiritual breakthrough for me to understand that your mentality creates your reality. You attract what you put out. Once you stop allowing life to happen to you and start taking control of your thoughts, you can become anything. For me, everyday is the best day ever because of those times where I used to be completely hopeless. Read more>>
Anthony Zolezzi
My optimism comes from coming from an Italian fishing family in San Diego California..My father the tuna boat captain and boat owner would have to borrow money to buy the fuel and food for the boat and then head out to see to find schools of tuna off the coast of Mexico. I watched him maintain his optimism no matter rough weather, or worse not finding any fish for a week or two. No matter what challenges prevailed I would see my dad maintain his optimism keep the crew of 14 guys in as positive of a mood as he could. Read more>>
Jas Kitterman
I distinctly remember growing up and constantly being told that I was naive. I was never praised for my “street smarts,” more so reminded how lucky I was to be “book smart.” I’ve always been a naturally happy person, no matter the circumstances. And yes it has probably been the source of a few delusional moments in my life. But when I feel myself slip into the bitter depths of my thoughts, somehow I am always reminded that life feels so much better when you are glowing. It sounds cheesy af. But I can only imagine what a sad life it must be to only expect the worst. I already have enough anxiety for that. Read more>>
Claudio Gutierrez
Mostly from observing the world around me. I’m a life-long student of history and there’s no denying that things are better now than they were a thousand years ago. Sure, some events such as wars and famines may make us think that we’re heading in the wrong direction but overall, the world is getting better. And this is not just an observation about history or the world at large. The same can be said of our more immediate surroundings and our interactions with others. Read more>>
Moses Gonzales III
I am a firm believer in God and I have faith that everything happens for a reason. Business is constantly changing and the roller coaster of success and roadblocks can be stressful at times. But I don’t think anything worth having is going to always come easy. Our mistakes and failures allow us to learn and grow, so instead of getting down on my self I try to keep this in mind. I think God places challenges in front of us for a reason and I enjoy it because that means there is a new opportunity to get better. Read more>>
LaToya Shambo
My mindset is, “It could be worse!” In 2011, five days after giving birth I was hit by a car while crossing the street with my daughter in my hands. At that moment, of course, it was the worst day of my life. But as I began to heal, both physically and mentally, my mindset started to shift from, “What an awful day that was” to “Wow, the day could have been worse. I could have lost my life and my newborn!” The only thing I lost was a little bit of time. But in hindsight, the accident gave me time- time to reflect and think about my purpose and mission in life. At 200lbs, I walked away from that accident with a broken leg and shoulder, and my daughter unharmed. What a blessing. From there on out, a bad day in my mind can only get better. Read more>>
Paul Beckman
I was very fortunate in how and where I was raised. Not only were my parents both financially secure, they both loved each other, and their children very much. Our house was supportive, always learning, always eating together, always vacationing together. Other’s didn’t have it nearly as good as me, so I had lots to be thankful for- still do. I believe it’s important to stay optimistic, because the brain and body are very powerful. Read more>>
Delila Castro
From a young age, my optimism has been shaped by the support of my mother, life experiences, and my faith in God. Growing up as the eldest in a single-parent household, I witnessed my mother’s resilience in facing challenges head-on. Her example instilled in me the belief that I can overcome any obstacle. Read more>>
Kirsten Alexis
I feel that my optimism came from overcoming various obstacles in my life. I firmly believe that we are here to experience everything, which includes the full spectrum of human emotion and life events. I can say that most of my life has been very good, and for that I am grateful. I owe it to myself, and my purpose, to make the best of every day that I have here. And that includes being positive for my well-being and to help others. Read more>>
Kana Alexis
I’ve always been an optimistic person. For so long I’ve felt like I know what I’m meant to be in life, I just didn’t know how to get there. Since I’ve gotten older, I’ve really started to understand that it’s all about the journey. You pray for things, you manifest, you grow & learn lessons. You earn the things you desire & just trusting & knowing that…it’s a beautiful thing. Read more>>
Marissa Kay
I’m very fortunate and grateful to have such loyal clients who have, and continue to stick with me throughout the years. I run my business honestly, openly, and in the fairest most inclusive way I can. The relationships I have with my clients help me maintain a positive outlook throughout the ups and downs that naturally occur in any business. I trust in my skill set and the years of experience I have in tattooing/art, which provides me with an optimistic outlook within myself as well. Read more>>
Peg Connery-Boyd
After I went through a period of illness when I was in my thirties, I ended up starting to meditate as part of my healing path, and got really hooked. I feel like meditation has been such a gift and really shifts me into a positive and optimistic point of view every morning. I also find a lot of joy and wonder in nature, and spend a lot of time walking, hiking, etc. to soak in the good vibes. Read more>>
Bill Goldstein
It comes from the belief that anything is possible, that your hopes and dreams can turn into things you never thought possible. I’ve seen my theory prove true throughout my life. No better example than turning the amputation of my left leg into the best thing that ever happened to me because it put me in position to help other.s All platformed via my deep involvement teaching people of all disabilities how to ski and heading up fundraising for the organization Ignite Adaptive Sports. Read more>>
Calvin Ludwig
I don’t think that anyone’s life is perfect – everyone’s gone through their fair share of struggles and challenges. I’m no different. I faced a lot of adversity with home life when I was going through middle school and high school. I didn’t have the best relationship with my Dad at the time nor my step-Dad. Read more>>
Quinton Bemiller
I think optimism is connected to gratitude. When you have seen others who are worse off, it makes you grateful for that half-full glass. As an educator, I also understand that growth is possible. Every day is an opportunity to accomplish something positive. I have seen negative situations result in positive outcomes. Sometimes problems in life can become catalysts for change. The current moment is not eternity. People have come through dark experiences to find new hope, and that allows me to be optimistic. Read more>>
