Where does your optimism come from?

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.

Matthew McLaughlin

Being a filmmaker is an optimistic journey and I would say the same for any type of artistic or entrepreneurial endeavor. There are so many moving parts in the filmmaking process that I often compare it to a giant cruise or cargo ship, and pessimism is like the anchor being dragged behind. It slows down the entire journey.  Read more>>

Kelvin Kataria

My optimism comes from my family and the support they’ve provided me. I’ve always been close to my Peruvian side who have always been incredibly warm to one another. Even today we are all extremely close and now I get to be a positive influence to my nieces and nephews the way my aunts and uncles were to me.  Read more>>

Ron Babcock

I’ve always been the optimistic one in my friend group, which wasn’t hard. I’m a standup comic, so it’s a pretty low bar. Comedy is such a grab bag of mental health issues and some people never learn how to tame their demons. Recently, discussing a fellow comic’s suicide, my wife said, “You sure know a lot of people who’ve died.” Read more>>

Jennifer Himstedt

With Scrap Sidekick, an idea begins with the gathering of repurposed scraps that find new life as whimsical felt creatures, monsters, and spooky characters. As the artisan behind the scenes, I find joy and optimism in the delightful and tactile art of crafting, stitching together materials to create amusing plushies that evoke smiles in those who see them online or at local markets. Read more>>

Kate Isler

Optimism is about perspective. You can choose the perspective you take on a specific situation, and in my experience, the perspective you take informs the outcome. You hear people talk about self-fulfilling proficiencies, and the way you approach things is the same; your reaction and attitude will have an impact on the outcome. We have all had the experience of walking into a situation thinking, “This is bad and will only end badly,” but what if we turned that around? Read more>>

Sharyn Richardson

Having optimism doesn’t mean you were born with it, although I do believe there may be in-born blessings of brain chemistry that help. My childhood family was full of disgruntled, even depressed people, Seeing the unhappiness it provoked in them and others, caused me to wonder where it came from and why. Read more>>

Wenqing Gu

My optimism truly stems from a deep-rooted belief that, at our core, we are all inherently good. As children, we are like blank canvases, always ready to absorb the goodness and beauty around us. However, as we grow older, life throws its curveballs, and we start seeing the world through a lens tinted by our setbacks and missteps. Yet, beneath all of that, the beauty and goodness we embraced as children never truly leave us.  Read more>>

Bea Bogan

My optimism comes from my spiritual journey. I am choosing a path to embrace my creativity integrity and freedom. Being an artist has taught me to have faith on a different level. To go out and live and to trust that every experience serves a purpose to take me to the next level in life. To bring more love, wisdom, and compassion into my life.  Read more>>

Robbie Tripp

My dad raised me to believe any dream is possible and with a “why not me” mentality! My dad always told me “what one man can do, another can do!” I was raised with Willy Wonka energy! I have a passion and ambition for my ideas and to turn my dreams into reality.  Read more>>

Trina Chan

It took practice and a shift in perspective to become more optimistic. I was always quite a worrier. It felt safer and more in control perhaps to prepare for disappointment, but I realized this didn’t necessary soften the blow if disappointment did occur, and in fact, this mindset only affected my ability to fully enjoy and celebrate achievements. Read more>>

Ricardo Garcia

My optimism comes every morning when waking up and knowing we’re doing a positive thing, impacting our environment and people, while at the same time innovating and providing an alternative for consumers to make a better choice. Read more>>

Gaynor Hicks

I believe my optimism comes from trusting that I will always end up where I am meant to be. Being in this career, there can be a lot of down time and I have learnt from experience, that by staying positive and finding the plus side to it all, those moments aren’t as hard. Read more>>

Sara Jewell

Not many people want to hear this, in fact, they get turned off by it, but I ask you to bear with me. My optimism really comes from God. Because, you see, I view my projects as assignments from God. And it’s quite easy to view your success from the eyes of people, but I keep in mind God’s view. Professor Google states: optimism is “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.” Read more>>

Azeeza Adam

My optimism comes from my religion. I come from a Muslim household where Islam is the religion of practice (for those who do not know). For years, I’ve had a negative mindset and thought the worst of myself. My love for my religion was found through actually making the effort to learn about it and applying it to my life. Whenever I feel the lowest of the low, somehow my religion always gives me hope. Read more>>

Morgan Muchori

My optimism is a product of the various life experiences I’ve encountered, both challenging and rewarding. Each hurdle I’ve faced has been an opportunity for personal growth and resilience. Through hardships, I’ve learned to find silver linings, appreciate small victories, and view setbacks as stepping stones towards something greater. Read more>>

Thom Chamberlain

I haven’t been the most optimistic for much of my life, often choosing the realistic/pessimistic interpretation to outcomes. I believe a lot of pessimistic people hold onto those feelings as a form of self-preservation and they don’t realize how significantly it prevents them from experiencing life. Read more>>

Jessica Mehraban

I believe my optimism comes from my gratitude practice. Gratitude, for me, is not just a routine but a deep-rooted part of who I am. Every morning, I take a moment to acknowledge three things I’m grateful for, whether they’re big achievements or small moments of joy. What I’ve come to realize the more I appreciate even the smallest of things, the easier and more joyful life becomes. Read more>>

Mark West

Thank you for asking! To me, my optimism clearly comes from the fact that I have stared very negative, impactful and failing moments in the face. Out of that darkness, came this need or resilience to succeed and look for the learning and opportunity in every situation. Read more>>

Devon Sweat

I’ve found that when I take the time to feed my creative appetite, life is a lot better. Well, my ability to handle life is a lot better. Life is always going to have its ups and downs. Some of those ‘downs’ are tougher than others. But similar to exercise, which is also another MUST for me, working out your creativity is crucial. Your mind is a muscle and it must be stimulated and exercised. Read more>>

Taylor Gulizio

It comes from years of work rewiring my brain to look at the positives of every situation, no matter how bad it seems. There is always a positive that comes from the negative even if it’s hard to see at first. You have to consistently remind yourself to find that positive and eventually it becomes really easy over the years to find the positive automatically without thinking about it. Read more>>

Meral Yalcinkaya

We’re just one of the bunch in this vast universe. Knowing that one day we might vanish into thin air makes me think, “Why sweat the small stuff?” Turns out, I’ve found my emotional outlet in art. It brings me this zen-like peace, allowing me to take on everything with a positive spin. Life’s too short to stress. Read more>>

Avery Reynolds

My optimism seems to stem from my resilient mindset shaped by a challenging childhood. Embracing difficulty and seeing the positive in every situation, I’ve developed a strength that thrives in adversity. The belief that facing challenges builds character reflects my proactive approach, turning hardship into an opportunity for personal growth and resilience. Read more>>

Sarah Manza

It has to be the love and support that I get from the people around me. Everyday I’m surrounded by positivity and love and it boosts my drive and my motivation and my optimism. Read more>>