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.

Ed Lazzerini

I’ve found that my sources for optimism can change over time, and that different wellsprings come into play for me depending on current circumstances and context. When we were just starting the Vox Vineti project, for example, pure excitement about the newness of the opportunity coupled with my own nescience regarding the wine industry helped keep me motivated through countless challenges related to winegrowing, marketing, and selling wine successfully within the mid-Atlantic region. Encouragement from friends and family was an important factor in the early days as well. Read More>>

Tara Consolati

It would be misleading to say that I’m always optimistic; however, I have a strong faith in Christ and have always had a “knowing feeling” that no matter what my current circumstances are, I don’t have to worry about the outcome because it will literally all be okay in the end.  Read More>>

Tanajah

My optimism comes from experience—every time I thought things were falling apart, they were actually falling into place. Maybe not in the way I originally planned, but somehow, I always ended up with the result I needed. That pattern has shown up in my life so many times that now, even when things feel uncertain, I trust that they’ll work out. It’s not blind optimism—it’s just knowing that life has a way of aligning things, even when you don’t see it right away. Read More>>

Justyna Justice Denney

My optimism comes from the hope I carry inside. I truly believe we all have a light within us that shines brightly despite life’s twists, turns and changes. I have a true sense that all things work out for the good, even if they appear different than how we planned them to be.  Read More>>

Kevin Harry

I think it comes from having gone trough a troubled childhood and survived. My simple motto is “it could always be worse” Read More>>

Estefania Paulo

My optimism comes from my way of seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. I’ve always believed that every obstacle brings with it a lesson, and that motivates me to keep a positive attitude. Also, surrounding myself with people with positive energy and having clear goals helps me stay optimistic even in difficult situations. Read More>>

Fereshta Ramsey

I wasn’t always an optimist. That hard-won quality was born from the dark, rich, fertile soil of trauma—at a time in my life when I was ready to give up.

I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the Soviet invasion. As scientists, educators, artists, and students were abducted, disappeared into prisons without due process, or killed without notice, it became clear—no one was safe. Read More>>

Dean Marletta

when I was a young adult, I gat sick and ended up in the hospital for a few months. there where only two reason for me being sick, the doctors told me . one would have been a parasite , which it wasn’t . the other thing that would cause my illness was emotions and holding everything in. Read More>>

Jenny T.

Optimism is often tricky to maintain, but I feel really fortunate to have been able to remain optimistic in the face of my own personal struggles along with pain that can exsist in our surroundings. It can be easy to lose heart if you’re not careful. Read More>>

Soumya Gupta Visual And Brand Designer

For me, optimism isn’t about assuming everything will go smoothly—it’s about believing that even when things go wrong, there’s something valuable to take from it. I don’t see challenges as roadblocks but as part of the process, shaping me in ways I might not immediately understand. Read More>>

Charlotte Simon-Rowson

My optimism comes from survival, from knowing that I have endured deep grief, loss, and moments when I did not think I would make it, but I did. It stems from my mother’s resilience, who embodied love, wisdom, and strength despite the struggles. Read More>>

Nick Sackett

My optimism comes from an unwavering belief in the power of the human spirit. Read More>>

Ofelia Arzumanova

My optimism comes from a deep-rooted belief that I’ve had since childhood: I always thought I could make a difference in the world and bring something special to people’s lives. Growing up, I believed that no matter what challenges came my way, I could find a way to contribute. I wasn’t sure what exactly it would be, but I always knew I had something to give. Read More>>

Acori Honzo

My optimism comes from the story of my people! I see how far we have come and I only see more of us achieving in the future. Read More>>

Gary Scales

It comes from my passion to share my gifts and talents with the world,to bring smiles,feelings and emotions to people regardless of race and background. It’s to paint a picture for people who listen to my Voiceovers or who see me Acting on camera or the stage. Read More>>

Heitor Martins Rissato

Family. Without my parents, my sister, my wife, and my close friends, I wouldn’t be where I am today or the person I am today.

Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to keep looking up, no matter the challenges I faced. They taught me to trust that any problem in my hands could be placed in God’s hands, and He would take care of it. But at school, things weren’t so easy. Read More>>

Jeff Olpin

My optimism comes from experience—seeing firsthand how passion, hard work, and creativity turn ideas into reality. Years in hospitality taught me the power of bringing joy to others, and entrepreneurship reinforced that every challenge is an opportunity to innovate. I believe in the good in people, the value of persistence, and the rewards of taking risks for something you love. Read More>>

Khairah

I think, overall, my optimism is just apart of my personality. Maybe I was just blessed to be born with it — or at least I take it that way, lol. But I do know the first time I recognized being an optimistic person. Actually, it was something that my daddy pointed out.  Read More>>

Bo Moore

I learned early in life that the optimism and belief are some of the most important attributes a person can have. When I was growing up, one of my favorite sayings was “you cant control everything that happens to you in life, but you can control your attitude about it.” I feel that i have always tried to make the best out of any situation, and that has suited me well so far! Read More>>

Keane Eacobellis

I feel like my mission and purpose is to amplify joy wherever I can. I think that drive comes from wishing that I had had that more in my development years from the people around me, that encouraged me and motivated me through positive reinforcement and a sense of potential and possibility. Read More>>

Lisa Rech

I would say partially from my faith, values instilled by my parents and husband, and from the way I am naturally wired. Growing up, I remember being told that I could do whatever I put my mind to, and I truly believed it. I think it’s led to a somewhat delusional sense of optimism at times. Read More>>