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.
Ryan Hartman
I got my optimism from playing sports as a kid. I played baseball all the way through college (Go Hokies!). I remember when my dad was team’s coach when I was about ten years old. We had a need for a pitcher on the team, so my dad tried to convert me from an infielder to a pitcher. I never pitched before, so figured I either couldn’t do it or would be terrible at it. My dad gave me the confidence that I could do it, and turned my negative outlook into a positive one. Even today I think to myself “you can only get better”. I worked really hard to learn the mechanics and fundamentals of pitching, and in my later years the position I was best at was pitcher! Read more>>
Tara Britt
My optimism comes naturally. I’d like to say it’s part of being a Sagg. But more importantly, it stems from my mindset. I truly believe there are always better days ahead. Life is unpredictable, and while tough times may come, they don’t last forever. Often, challenges are just the prelude to a breakthrough, and I try to stay grounded in that belief. Optimism, for me, is a way of keeping the light on in the darkest moments. It reminds me that, no matter how hard things get, the sun always rises again. That perspective keeps me hopeful and resilient. Read more>>
Waverly Coleman
My optimism comes from seeing how challenges can turn into opportunities. Over the years, I’ve learned that with the right mindset, even the toughest situations can lead to something incredible. I also get so much energy from the people I work with—clients, collaborators, my team—who constantly remind me how much is possible when you’re creative and determined. And honestly, a lot of it comes from gratitude. When I take a step back and focus on what’s going right, it’s hard not to feel hopeful about what’s ahead. Read more>>
Jessica Hamm
My optimism comes from my faith in a loving God. Through many hardships, including childhood poverty and a broken home, faith helped me overcome dark moments and fear. Without God’s faithfulness and goodness to me, my life would be far different than what it is. Read more>>
Sarah Rincon
My optimism is deeply rooted in the resilience and determination I witnessed in my parents’ journey. As immigrants from Colombia, they came to this country with little access to resources and were forced to navigate countless oppressive systems. Despite these challenges, they carried an unwavering commitment to building a meaningful and sustainable life for themselves and our family. Their childhoods were marked by sacrifice both entered the workforce as children, not because they wanted to, but because they had no other choice. They worked tirelessly to support their families, growing up far too quickly in a world that often left little room for rest or ease. Read more>>
Adams Dominick
My optimism comes from gratitude. I believe God gifted me with an energy that’s contagious, an ability to uplift people, build teams, and inspire youth. I’ve always focused on controlling what I can control. I wasn’t the biggest, the strongest, or the best, but I knew if I worked hard enough, I could close that gap. What I could always control was my attitude. Read more>>
Bridgett Spicer
I find that optimism and resilience go hand in hand. And for both, I lean on faith and humor.
Optimism is looking up. Literally and figuratively; I find that as long as I can laugh, my sense of humor pulls me UP. And writing funnies (comic strips, ie. humor on paper) keeps me elevated, so to speak.
And my faith in God keeps me going. I know that I’m looked after; I know that whatever happens, I can look up and talk to God. He’s always there pulling me up when I fall. He dusts me off, pats me on the back and says “Keep going, Brig; I’m right here.” And I have a tendency to “fall down” (fail) A LOT, but I always get back up. I call this “the Charlie Brown factor” where you just keep at it, whatever IT is. For me, IT is cartooning, and I’ve been at it for some time. I just keep waking up everyday and putting pen to paper and (Apple pencil to iPad), drawin’ out the funny. Read more>>
Zipei Zhang
I have developed a unique process for staying positive, even in challenging situations. The first step is to pause, close my eyes, and take deep breaths for one minute to regain calm and clarity. Once centered, I move on to the second step: analyzing the problem at hand. I break it down into smaller, manageable components—labeling them step by step, no matter how overwhelming the issue may seem. Read more>>
Amy Rodriguez-saenz
My optimism comes from all the experiences around me….but most importantly the genuine connections I’ve made with the people in my life. I believe that each piece of content I create has the potential to make a positive impact on someone’s day. When I hear feedback from my audience, it reminds me that every effort counts. Even with a smaller following, I know that I have become apart of something meaningful, and that keeps me motivated and hopeful. It’s the small, authentic interactions that truly fuel my passion and optimism. Read more>>
Alex Farside
My optimism stems from a deep belief in myself and my ability to adapt and solve problems on the fly. When we launched our business, we couldn’t have imagined the storm that was about to hit—opening just four months before COVID-19 turned the world upside down. Navigating through that period was the most challenging experience of my life, but it was also the most formative. Read more>>
Hfl Stony
To be completely honest I’ve had a crippling relationship with both my parents I feel both of them refused accountability and that fact of them being my parents I always stay positive in hopes they’ll change, I figure if they could then anything is possible I guess? Even in the worst situations. Read more>>
Champaigne Patterson
My optimism primarily comes from my faith, which assures me that life is meant to be joyful and fulfilling. By believing that I deserve happiness and goodness, I maintain a hopeful outlook, even in the negative times. I purposely choose not to let negative situations or bad vibes ruin my day. After all, why would I want to carry anger about past events? Embracing positivity and hope is far more fun. Read more>>
Lilly Sundsbak
My optimism stems from a need to express creative purpose within my life. Through art, design, and storytelling, and by channeling meaning and inspiration even in the most mundane of moments gives me a sense of fulfillment and hope.
I am also deeply inspired by new opportunities to learn and grow, whether through meeting new people or gaining insights from the world around me. These experiences remind me to embrace growth and to contribute positively to the communities I am part of.
Having the chance to leave a lasting impact on the world while finding joy and purpose in the process fuels my optimism for everyday life. Read more>>
Christina Baribault-ortiz
I surround myself with all kinds of visual reminders. From Jewelry to post a notes to Messages on my mirrors and lock screen on my cell phone. These reminders remind me of the purpose and why I am doing the things I am doing also the reminders or messages of motivation and encouragement like B limitless or B strong. I also have what I call it when list that I scan quickly every morning, these are accomplishments, big and small. I have collected over the years in case I ever tell myself or negative thoughts creeping this quickly reminds me of what I’m capable of and then I keep going not to ignore the negativity or self-doubt, simply to keep going even in its presence. Read more>>
Zenequa Hanna
My optimism comes from my faith and the belief that everything I experience has a purpose, even when it’s not immediately clear. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I see life through the lens of His grace, which reminds me that trials are temporary and that good can emerge from even the hardest situations. This belief anchors me when challenges arise and encourages me to keep moving forward, trusting that God is working things out for His glory and my growth. Read more>>
