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.
Arianna Reid
My optimism is entirely faith-driven. I believe that when something bad happens, it’s a window of opportunity for something even greater. I’ve learned to trust that setbacks aren’t punishments, but redirections — moments that push me closer to what’s meant for me. That perspective keeps me grounded and hopeful, even when things don’t go according to plan. Read more>>
Nicholas Cloutman
Things could always be worse! And someone out there is dealing with much greater challenges than most of us. So why not forge ahead with hope and determination? Failure is normally part of a valuable learning process. And success feels so much better when its the product of believing in yourself and your ideas. Optimism is worth a shot. Read more>>
Kevin Ross
My optimism I would have to say comes from my childhood. I just always had a positive outlook on life at a young age, even though life can be a huge challenge at times. Read more>>
Carla Stefanelli
That is such a beautiful question, and it really made me stop and think! It’s true, people always call me a glass half-full person, and it’s just one of those traits I know I have. Even when everything seems to be falling apart, I still find myself looking for the good part, and sometimes I even wonder why I’m like that! Read more>>
Samantha Villegas
Hope. I give myself small realistic goals, of course still keeping my bigger goals and dreams as my ultimate GOAL. I think achieving the smaller goals gives me that drive, motivation, and optimism that I need to take on the next big thing gracefully leading me onto my dreams. Read more>>
Jo-Anne Barr
My optimism comes from knowing that I’m building something that matters. I see optimism as holding on to your vision, even when things feel uncertain. It’s believing in that vision fully, while learning to let go of how you’ll get there. Negative thoughts will always show up, but I try not to let them drain my energy. Read more>>
Jewel Ifeguni
I get my optimism from gratitude — and from my roots. I was born in Nigeria and came to America when I was very young. From the start, my family instilled in me the belief that the future is limitless and that with faith, hard work, and gratitude, anything is possible. Read more>>
Justin Ruff
My optimism comes from choosing to believe life is working for me—even when it doesn’t look perfect in the moment. As an artist, I live in that space between improv and intention. And like John Mayer says, “the heart of life is good.” I carry that with me. I look for the lesson, the light, and the next right note in every situation. Read more>>
Matthew Pitts
I spent a considerable amount of my life in sort of a doomsday cult. Really my formative years. I was raised in it. I didn’t have any kind of thought of attaining the things that I dream of in this life. It wasn’t until I was well into my 20’s that I really had a belief in my vision and ambition as an artist. Read more>>
Sam Posthumus
I think it’s natural. I have always been an optimistic person, sometimes foolishly. It has never been something that I’ve had to work at or maintain, it’s just there Read more>>
Washi Taylor
I think of myself as rather optimistic. Maybe it’s a bit juvenile, but the heroes always win. It may be difficult, and the skies may be dark; but tomorrow always happens. The sun comes up and world still spins. Read more>>
Todd Hostetler
I built it. After years of chasing new opportunities, working with startups, and occasionally learning the hard way, I started to see how much perspective shapes reality. Negative thinking made everything smaller and heavier. So I began working harder and being more conscious of my mental health, learning how to think better so I could see better. Read more>>
Gigi Magick
My optimism doesn’t come from circumstance, it comes from within. In my path, I recognize the presence of the Grand Architect, the GOD that designed the framework of all creation. And if we’re made in the image of that Architect, then that same creative intelligence exists within us. Read more>>
Max Weisman
My optimism is from my personality and a record of everything coming together. In communications and public relations, everything can feel like a mess or a crisis. If a professional operates from a record and belief that everything will work out, it allows for clear-headed thinking and strategic planning. Ironically, that feeling of mess and crisis often clouds judgment and leads to poor decision-making. Read more>>
Ash Lucas
When I was younger I wasn’t much of an optimist; I don’t believe many of us are at a younger age. I think with time and the older I got I became optimistic about anything and everything coming my way. Read more>>
Amy Hellard
I wasn’t always optimistic. I actually used to say that Eeyore was my spirit animal because of how pessimistic and depressed I usually was. It did not happen overnight, but through small, intentional shifts in how I think, react and reflect. I’ve started focusing more on possibilities than problems, on growth rather than setbacks. Read more>>
Pam Smilow
I’m actually not sure where my optimism comes from. In many ways, I think one is born with it and it is part of one’s personality. Some people are just prone to see the glass half empty and some see it half full. Read more>>
Kenya Moore
I believe my optimism comes from within! I think in every situation it is key to look at the brighter side of things. Read more>>
Hak Sung Kim
That’s a great question, and I want to answer it in a way that might encourage those who struggle to be optimistic. I consider myself a very optimistic person, but I’ve often asked myself why. The conclusion I’ve reached is simple: nothing in my life has ever come easily. Read more>>
Sera Ben Yesilbas
I’ve always found comfort in small beginnings – a sketch, a conversation, an interior piece. They remind me that progress doesn’t have to be loud or immediate. When I joined Baris at The Base NYC three years ago, it felt like stepping into something already alive, and finding my own rhythm within it. Read more>>
Emily Rose
Knowing that The Universe is For Me, and not against me, really helped me step forward into my dreams full of optimism and courage to put myself out there. So far its being reflected back to me that what I like to do, what I love and want to do, what lights me up, what revs my engine, is also stirring something in others. Read more>>
Kiara Luna
My optimism comes from my lived experience, from the parts of my story that taught me that even in the darkest moments, light can still be found when you choose to see it. I grew up watching the women in my family push through unimaginable challenges with grace, strength, and faith. Read more>>
