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.
Brendan Uegama
Everyday brings new challenges and new possibilities. Filmmaking is a creative art so challenges are good when we learn and grow from them. Filmmaking isn’t easy and we work hard at it because we love it. Because we know it can evoke emotions and impact people. I want every project I shoot to be relevant and the best it can be. Read more>>
Elena Vasilenka
As a holistic practitioner, spiritual teacher, and a bestselling author of a book on healing depression with meditation I would love to share with your readers that my optimism comes from a healthy mind. To achieve a healthy mind I turn to meditation, mantra practice ( Naam), and breathwork and an absolute must for me is proper supplementation with DHA / EPA, L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine, and a few more supplements that are essential to my brain health. Read more>>
eli james
Interestingly enough if I were to get into the story of my early years you would be surprised that I even survived past the age of 5 let alone having a super optimistic point of view on life and making my dreams / vision a reality. Read more>>
Greg Gregorian
I love this question. My optimism comes from my faith with God. Every time I’ve set a goal, It has always come to fruition, as long as I continually worked at it. Even when I felt like I was coming down to the wire, having faith has pulled through for me each and every major goal that I set. Read more>>
Amy Vroom
I like to think I’ve always approached life with my glass half full. Professionally speaking, my career leading up to being a designer has shaped that. Prior to switching careers, I worked in the creative marketing industry where ideas were our currency and asking the question “what if” led us to creative solutions for our clients. Read more>>
Michael Wade Paull
I have always been a glass half full kind of guy. I grew up with my mom, going through many difficult situations after my father passed when I was seven years of age. I had three older brothers all grown and with their own lives, and a sister who stayed close to us through all the trials and tribulations. Read more>>
Heejo Kim
I believe my optimism comes from my passion and intention for creating paintings. For example, when I feel frustrated in the middle of the painting process, I allow myself to get lost in the work and see where it leads me. Similarly, I try not to get overly stressed by uncontrollable situations. Instead, I take a step back and give myself time to transform my negative thoughts into positive ones. Read more>>
Seema Reza
I was not always a naturally optimistic person–but my decade working closely with people who have experienced really difficult, often traumatic events has somehow unlocked a kind of unshakable faith in me. My work with Community Building Art Works at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and at jails and even in middle schools has introduced me to people going through really huge and personal transitions; people who actually have a lot of reasons to dig in and stay convinced that nothing will ever work for them. Read more>>
Briana Severine
I learned about how to change my perspective and embrace positivity through my work in the mental health field. My early training with colleagues helped played a huge role in this transformation, as I realized that by focusing on the good and refusing to dwell on the negative, I could cultivate a mindset filled with hope and joy. Read more>>
Kelly McCarthy
It comes from my deep understanding and daily conscious awareness that life does not happen TO me or even FOR me, it happens As me, Through me. A concept I first heard from Michael Bernard Beckwith after being introduced to his teachings from the book The Secret. The universal law that states what you put out in the universe through your feelings, thoughts and actions, you receive back. Read more>>
Brandon Surtain
My optimism comes from a sense of duty to my community and society at large. That isn’t to say that I feel responsible for bringing about change in some grand way, but that I believe we have an opportunity to make the decision to be a net positive in our communities everyday. There’s also the reality that things could be and have been so much worse. I genuinely feel lucky that I can wake up choose how I show up in the world everyday. Read more>>
Emilee Carpenter
As a wedding photographer, I’m immersed in a world of storytelling, creativity, and celebrating love stories. My job entails working at weddings, elopements, surprise proposals, and engagement sessions — arguably the most exciting events this side of heaven — so you can imagine how this organically cultivates a deep sense of JOY!! Read more>>
Boaz Freund
My optimism is directly drawn from my mom and the way she raised me. Things weren’t easy when she was raising my brother and me in the 80’s as a struggling single mom, but we woke up to a smile each and every morning of my childhood, and a promise of a good day. Read more>>
Jonathan Ramos
Being optimistic has always been something that I’ve engraved into my mind to help me traverse through my day-to-day life. Even during my lowest points, I’ve always known that things end up getting better, even if it tends to take a while to kick in. Adopting an optimistic view rather than a pessimistic view has served to my benefit by helping me adopt a mentality where I know regardless of the circumstances I’m under, as long as I’m hopeful and put in the work, there will always be a brighter future ahead. Read more>>
Mariah Green
I’ve always been known for my happy and bubbly personality, and people often ask me, “How are you so happy all the time?” The truth is, I’m not always happy. Like everyone else, I experience difficult emotions and rough patches. What helps me maintain my optimism is allowing myself to cry and fully process my feelings when necessary, letting them flow through me and then letting them go. Read more>>
Ashley Aquilo
From the moment I started the idea of my small business, I knew that it was going to take everything out of me (emotionally, mentally, and physically). The amount of love, care, and detail that has gone into growing A Visual Theory is monstrous and a large part of that stems from my optimistic personality. Read more>>
Laura Cheadle
It’s from knowing that I am on a high frequency constantly. I am constantly working towards my goals and on myself to stay conscious and know that anything is possible with manifestation and hard work. Read more>>
Kween Qui
My name is Kween Qui. The Owner of PonyKWEEN Co. A small black owned hair product business. I started my business in 2020 but I invested in my business in 2024. The influence I have on my peers made me gain confidence and optimism. I decided to sell products for other hairstylists like me to achieve looks that leave clients feeling beautiful and confident. Read more>>
Dana Wexler
Optimism came from many years I’ve seen what it’s like to not have support from Pierce as well as emotionally knowing what it’s done to others I vowed never to allow that into my world. I find great joy and pride and seeing others happy and knowing that and whatever way shape or form I can be the one to make someone feel grateful loved Supported and confident . Read more>>
Gastón Corbala
From the acceptance of the conditions surrounding my everyday life, good and bad. Read more>>
Seisei Tatebe-Goddu
Traditionally-optimistic people have a bottomless well of faith that everything will turn out just fine. I don’t have that. Instead, optimism for me is centered on agency. You have the ability to influence your outcomes. Optimism through agency has given me the ability to pick myself back up and keep moving forward, even during really hard times. Read more>>
Shelbi Toone
My optimism is deeply rooted in the traditions passed down from my grandparents. I believe in the inherent goodness of humanity and have faith that everything works together for the greater good. As I navigate my path, I keep my eye on the prize, using my talents to serve not only my family but also my community. Read more>>
Maurad Ali
i feel my optimism come from my life’s history of good things happening for me and my family, especially after a tragedy. it also has grown with my success as a dad and chef. Read more>>
Jasper Dutz
In my experience, finding the balance between open mindedness and stubbornness is key to success. My parents are both freelance artists so I had them as role models. They always told me that the most important thing was doing something I love. I believe if you live in pursuit of love, by giving time and energy to others and to your passions, anything is possible. Read more>>
Cheyenne Chaca Hammer
From an early age, I knew I was different from the other kids in school. Initially, I didn’t see this as an advantage, but over time, I began to appreciate how my vivid imagination, love for unicorns and angels, and my highly sensitive nature were gifts. Read more>>
Sallyann Martinez
My optimism finds its roots in a profound connection to the spiritual realm and my unwavering belief in the guidance of guardian angels. Through my journey as a Guardian Angel communicator, clairvoyant, and Reiki Master, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things and the inherent goodness that pervades the universe. Read more>>
Mark Williams
Optimism for me comes from so many external and internal places. But I think the core of it is thankfulness. When we realize how much we have, its easy to be optimistic. Read more>>
