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.
Leah Douglas
Growing up, I didn’t have the best childhood. It was a lot of downfall and a lot of pessimistic situations but somehow someway, I’ve always was able to turn that pessimistic mindset into an optimistic one with that being said everything I do in life I go with a positive attitude, even the challenges and struggles that I face I always find a way to find a learning and positive experience from it and then add value, of course. Read more>>
Yelpy
I’m not sure I’d call it optimism exactly, maybe more an indifference in regards to other people’s opinions. At some stage, especially as a musician, you realize that something one person might love another might hate. So no matter what you create there will, more often than not, be people that love it, people that hate it and people who are completely indifferent about it. And that’s something I actually love about music. Read more>>
Gabrielle Valderas
Optimism is a skill that, I feel, is enhanced when you take time to reflect. There are many times in each of our careers where we feel we are facing insurmountable challenges, or we feel we’ve hit the end of our luck. What I’ve found, is that often when I look back in reflection on these times, they were truly a blessing in disguise. For example, when I was let go from my first post-grad job due to COVID I felt discouraged and lost in the moment. Read more>>
Claire Lin
My optimism mainly comes from my family. We have a tendency whenever something worse happens in our life; we always find something to laugh about the worst thing. When I am not with my family, I also try to think about the good part of the bad thing that happened to me. When I tumbled over on the street, I would think of the experience as a learning experience. I thus learned to be careful next time if I am on the same street again. Read more>>
Polina Stepanova
Optimism produces an unstoppable and irresistible surge of energy – it, in my opinion, contains the force of life itself. Believing in a better future and being resilient in an everyday life are the key characteristics of an optimistic person. Another key trait in an optimist’s arsenal is the consistent direction of their attention toward positive aspects of living. Read more>>
Nathalie Woog
I had to face illness and come very close to death around the age of 20, having been struck down by a form of leukemia. The doctors had all condemned me, and so I had to fight to survive with a strength of positivism and optimism that undoubtedly saved me after a year’s battle in hospital. This optimistic strength has been a driving force for me in building my career and my personal life. Read more>>
Kimberly Archuleta
My optimism stems from a naturally joyful disposition and a life that has been, by and large, delightful. Growing up, we weren’t wealthy, but our home was filled with love and laughter, thanks to a humorous, caring mother, wonderful siblings, and a vibrant, large Hispanic family. Being constantly surrounded by family, whether with my parents or other relatives, contributed greatly to my happiness and sense of security. Read more>>
Kimberly Fisher
Valerie Voorhees
In some ways I have always considered myself a natural optimist. However, when I think about where this comes from, it has likely come from overcoming tough times. When you deal with challenges, beat them, and later see they weren’t so bad, you naturally become more positive about the next obstacle. It’s like realizing you can handle anything that comes your way. Read more>>
Kimberly Cannon
The two main places my optimism comes from are my family, my parents taught me to always look on the bright side, consistently reminding me how lucky I am I get to do something vs I having to do it. And second by practicing gratitude, first thing in the morning I try to list what I am grateful for and it really helps boost my mood for the rest of the day! Read more>>
Lauren Glover
Simply put, my optimism comes from God. My knowledge of who God is as my Father, and learning of all of His promises over my life are what fuel me. I was reading a book by Michael Todd called ‘Crazy Faith’, and he talked about how God will either give you the mountaintop without the path, or the path without the mountaintop. But its up to us to have active faith and work towards or work with whatever God provides. Read more>>
Daria Dana
My optimism comes from following my heart, soul, and intuition, and my fundamental belief that when you do that, you’ll never be led astray. As long as I’m listening to my inner guides and guides from the Universe, I believe every single thing that happens is meant to happen, and that I will achieve everything I desire and more. Read more>>
Paula Lauzon
Thanks for having me. This is a really good question. I read somewhere that recent studies had shown that optimism is 50% inherited from our genes, 40% determined by ourselves and the way in which we decide to live our lives and 10% by others (i.e. the environment in which we develop). Read more>>
Martina Puchalla
The creative expression in painting is a means for me to vent and express my emotions and thoughts. Bringing an idea onto a canvas gives me a sense of freedom and satisfaction. This process makes me feel more optimistic as it allows me to externalize and communicate my subconscious emotions nonverbally. When I am particularly pleased with an artwork, it triggers a feeling of happiness within me. Read more>>
Kayla Greaves
Even when things are “bad,” somehow, some way, everything works out for the best in the end. So while going through a rough patch is never fun, it’s always necessary. Read more>>
Anelle Tarke
My optimism comes from this unwavering belief that one day I will achieve everything I want to in this life. That belief allows me to live in the present and be grateful for things as they are and as they come into my life. Because I know what my destiny is, what my purpose is and who I want to be, it’s only a matter of time until it happens. Read more>>
Ciera Solomon-Mouzon
My optimism is rooted in my unwavering faith in God, the support of my close family, and the profound experience of parenthood. Without these pillars, my optimism would not be as steadfast. Growing up immersed in a Christian upbringing, attending church with my parents and grandparents, instilled in me the importance of faith—a crucial element in being a Christian. Read more>>
Miha Sarani
I am always profoundly grateful when people share with me the ways in which my work has affected them. It’s a strange feeling knowing that a piece of paper, or a canvas – which was just another blank surface previously – has been transformed by manipulation of lines, marks, or color into something impactful and meaningful to others. Read more>>
KUAN-HSUAN LU
My optimism primarily stems from the kindness of my family, the love of my friends, and the understanding of my boyfriend. I am fortunate to have a warm and caring family whose support and understanding serve as the foundation of my optimism. Additionally, my friends inspire me with their love, and their companionship and support allow me to see the beauty in life. Read more>>
Constanza Esparza
I’ve consistently maintained a positive mindset. Each day, I approach life with the belief that my efforts will yield positive outcomes. Even in moments of failure, I view them as valuable lessons, focusing on the positives. The key lies in controlling your thoughts—emphasizing the positive ones to navigate through life’s challenges. Read more>>
Burger the Monster
I think a lot of my optimism comes from my family and friends. When I am with them, I’m always reminded of how lucky I am to have such wonderful kind, caring, loving monsters, roosters, and of course, people in my life. Read more>>
Teddy Regis
As long as I can remember, I have been a strong believer in the power of a positive mindset. If we can see opportunity where some might see failure, this can often propel us toward success. When I was 20, something somewhat pivotal happened during a summer stay on Long Island. I vividly remember reading an article about optimism in a Bible based publication. Back then, I was a prolific journaler. Read more>>
Yuehan Tan
I wouldn’t really call myself an optimist. Actually, when I make decisions, I tend to think about the worst-case scenario. For instance, when I ditched my job in China to go after my 3D animation dreams at Sheridan College in Canada, I totally saw myself failing and losing my job and time. Read more>>
Victoria Tara
My optimism finds its roots in the meditation practices I’ve cultivated over many years. The discipline of directing my mind towards the light, both metaphorically and through my daily practices, has been truly transformative. Read more>>
Yuting Qiu
In my love for filmmaking, optimism arises from the boundless potential of storytelling. Crafting each frame and dialogue becomes a journey of exploration, a collaborative effort that transcends boundaries. The magic of cinematography and storytelling fuels the belief that, through film, we can inspire, connect, and evoke profound emotions. Read more>>
Orel De La Mota
I get my optimism from living my life like its my last days… If you had 24 hours to live what would you do with it? Only then can we appreciate the small things in live, slow down, forgive more, love more, smile more. I also built optimism on purpose. High Production and promotions in life are all state oriented. Optimism and grace change your state and therefore maximizing human potential. I cant afford not to be optimistic. Read more>>
Christel Oerum
I’m not sure I’m inherently optimistic, but I do think that how we approach things can help foster positivity. How you approach life often will spill over to how you approach health, relationships, and your professional career. I generally believe people have good intentions and that I bring something to the table. Read more>>
Michelle Ruber
My Mom. She is one of the most optimistic people I have ever met. She is always looking at the positive side of a situation. The part that makes her phenomenal is that she didn’t come from an easy house. She had to foster and rise up to a positive outlook coming from what was often a hard place to find happiness. Read more>>
Yayo Salinas
My optimism comes from my life experiences. I moved out from my parents house at a young age and thought I knew everything I needed to know. I learned quickly that, I was wrong however, whatever I am going through my perspective is always up to me and I can choose to be positive in any situation.! It’s better to have a positive outlook and celebrate the ups rather than the downs. Read more>>
TREYCO
Not letting negativity affect me always thinking of a positive outcome. Always thinking of success always hoping that it will turn out the best and whatever it is you’re doing keeping a positive mindset and thinking positive will attract positive even if it’s negative you have to get through that to reach the positive it’s all in the mind that’s what makes us. Read more>>
