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.
Raq Bacon
Optimism has saved my life. Growing up in relational war zones can take a toll on a person’s mental health and the more bad things you see, the more bad things you expect. Which in turn, attracts more negativity into your energy. It took me a long time to realize this, but once I recognized the power I had in my life experiences, everything changed. Read more>>
Ileana Gonzalez
Optimism for me is almost always created from doing my best to keep moving. By moving I mean quite literally to keep moving, doing, creating, or talking. Inviting myself to the present moment and grounding myself with gratitude has made the biggest difference in how often I really get to experience optimism. Read more>>
Jay Smiley
Growing up, I had a big imagination; I still do. So, I had this sense there was a way to become better and to create better things. However, I didn’t always see myself accurately. I often struggled with a lower self esteem and didn’t believe that I was the one to create great things. Read more>>
Kyle Barron
It might have always been there, but Hawaii brought it to life. I was fortunate enough to live there for almost three years, and I learned some core principles that I’ll keep with me forever. The spirit of aloha isn’t just some tourist slogan. It’s a way of living that’s about presence, compassion, and deep respect for each other and the land. Read more>>
Gregory Mirzoyan
I became a tattoo artist and studio owner because of one major tragedy — the war in Ukraine. It pushed me to search for new opportunities and develop skills I once considered just a hobby. Read more>>
Dalila Copeland
Oooh, this is SUCH an awesome question! I love questions like these because you really get to know someone beyond just the surface level. I wasn’t always a super optimistic person, but over the years I realized that what I think—or better yet, how I think—really affects my life. Read more>>
Khushi Patel
My optimism comes from experience; from learning that even in moments of uncertainty, something good is always unfolding. I choose to focus on growth, connection, and gratitude, because that’s where light lives. Read more>>
Kirsten Casey
The job of being a poet means that you have to constantly and consistently notice things, the beautiful and the horrifying. My optimism comes from teaching children and adults about the wonder and delight of arranging words, of the power of personal expression, and how fun the process actually is. The world is full of discouragement, but the imagination is full of fantastic originality. Read more>>
Joe Tardif
My optimism may come from being a little naive. As someone who strives to advocate for and protect the environment, it genuinely hurts me to focus on the unfortunate events. When sharing stories and trying to inspire others, staying optimistic and genuinely grateful for what we have feels most important to me. Read more>>
Wendy Garfinkel-Gold
Optimism comes from my hopefulness and confidence about the future. I have worked creatively my whole life. Always the artist in school, I’ve enjoyed where creativity has taken me throughout the decades. I have studied several art forms including painting, graphic design and photography. Read more>>
John Vaughn
As a music artist, my optimism about my music comes from a firm belief that I have and can create songs that are as good or better than mainstream music. Regardless of the level of success my songs achieve, I know that I did my very best to create and share something I love. Read more>>
Aubrey Lindsey
Being a small business owner in 2025 is not something I thought I would ever be. I went to college for biology and had a very different vision for what my life would be. I think that in today’s society it is difficult to be and remain a business owner for so many reasons. Read more>>
Bill Maus
This is a very good question. I lose my way just as often as the next person, but I do eventually find my center again and find reasons to look at the bright side of things. To find silver linings when I can and find the glass half-full again. Do I have it all figured out-? Of course not. Read more>>
Ahoo Sarab
My optimism comes from a mix of who I am, what I’ve lived through, and what I choose each day. I’ve learned that things usually work out, or at least, that I can handle them when they don’t. Yoga, reflection, and mindfulness have shaped how I see the world, teaching me to find meaning and connection even in challenge. Read more>>
Erika Demshar
My optimism has always come from deep within me. Even as a child, I can remember waking up each day with a smile on my face, excited about the possibilities the world had to offer. I believed, wholeheartedly, that opportunities were everywhere and within reach—as long as I was willing to go after them. Read more>>
Ian Lieberman
My optimism comes from a lifetime of practicing positivity taught by my parents from a young age. We had a lot of family rituals, rules, and traditions growing up, but among the most important was the no negativity rule. Every day has the chance to be a great day if we choose to make it great. Read more>>
Tal Avitzur
My wife, friends, family, and even strangers who show kindness. They remind me that there is always good to be found, even in difficult times. And from my dog. He wakes up thrilled every day just because breakfast exists. Read more>>
Scott Martin
I grew up in a modest household; our parents would take us camping during our school vacations since it was an inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors. When I became the captain of the water polo team in high school, our manager didn’t believe in us much. Read more>>
Virginia Fleck
My optimism comes from resilience; an inner knowing that transformation is always possible. I grew up in a world steeped in ritual, symbolism, and magical thinking, where belief itself shaped perception. That early training in seeing the invisible has stayed with me. In my art, I take post-consumer materials, objects once cast aside and reimagine them into shimmering environments of reflection and wonder. Read more>>
Valentina Berti
Cinematography brings me joy, and that joy is where my optimism begins. I feel incredibly grateful to do work that excites and fulfills me, and that sense of purpose naturally shapes a hopeful mindset. Read more>>
NICOLAS HOSPITAEL
That’s a tough one. I’d say my optimism comes from a deliberate choice to see the world as a good place. It’s something I’ve cultivated through challenges in my life. Over time, I’ve learned that while I can’t always control what happens, I CAN control how I respond to things. And really, no one likes to fell desperate, right? Read more>>
Maryah Smith
My optimism is rooted in my faith. My mother raised us to believe that everything will always work out. She raised us to believe that God himself is always working, even when we cannot feel it. Even in the toughest times, she taught us to see the good in the situation. Read more>>
Katie Nave
My great grandmother was the most positive, content person I’ve ever known. She had very little money or prestige, but she was delighted by the simplest things, like a freshly baked cake or a fresh bar of soap. She lived a long, healthy, happy life and I try to model my positive thinking after how she carried herself in the world. Read more>>
Lou Affirms
Let’s be real — the world can be terrifying. But for every terror, there’s something equally awe-inspiring. Every pain point is a signpost, gently (or not so gently) steering us away from despair and toward our well-deserved joy. I stay optimistic because despair depletes, but joy regenerates. It’s the most renewable energy I know. Read more>>
Amber Bogan
My optimism comes from my faith and the way I was raised. Growing up in East St. Louis, I learned how important it is to find light even when life feels heavy. I carry that perspective with me as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur. I believe joy is both a gift and a choice. That does not mean life is always easy. Read more>>
Frances Ledgewood
I would say my optimism comes directly from my faith. I know the Lord is in control and that He has everything in His hands, which allows me to approach both work and life with confidence and joy. Because of that belief system, I naturally see the glass as half full and look for opportunities, even in challenges. Read more>>
Cozi
This is the perfect question for me because I am a very optimistic person. It comes from always having hope. I’m the type of person that always sees the light at the end of the tunnel, and being a stylist you HAVE to be optimistic and solution oriented. Otherwise, you’ll just focus on the problem more than anything. My optimism also comes from God & the people I surround myself with. Having Godly friends is so important, they help keep your eyes on the prize. Read more>>
Carrie Owen
I believe that most people have a desire to help others. People who have experience with families with developmental disabilities, either first hand, or through a family friend or acquaintance are more likely to give to these families. Most people who feel empathy or compassion towards those with developmental disabilities are motivated to help, even if there is no personal benefit to themselves. Read more>>
Geobirttie Wise-Odugu
My optimism stems from simply living life. I believe my ability to maintain a positive outlook in most situations is a gift from God. I’m often told that I have a natural ability to see the good in everything and everyone. I feel it takes to much energy to think and be negative. Life is to precious to live any other way. Read more>>
