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.
Jasmine Lang
My optimism comes from my faith. I have faith that everything will work out how it is supposed to in the end. I have had several moments where I think I am not going to do well or I don’t see a way out of a tough situation and I’m always proven wrong and question myself on why I worried in the beginning. Read more>>
Billy Mick
My optimism is who I am at the core of my being. We all have had things happen in our lives that were “bad” or upset us, but there is always something better on the other side of those things. And I feel that if we are doing it right, we are get to the other side having learned something that can make us a better person. When you look at it like that, even the “bad” things are good things in the end, so there is not reason not to be optimistic! Read more>>
Lady Delaney
We find ourselves plopped down in this great mystery. We didn’t get a say in it, and no one can say why we’re put here, to live and then to die. Everyone has their theory, and sometimes we fight wars with each other to make our points. But here you are, on this verdant planet, where life has taken root against all odds. Read more>>
Hillary Cohen
In my opinion, life is far too short to not be optimistic. If you are always approaching obstacles life throws at you with a pessimistic and negative view, chances are that is the outcome you will ultimately continue to see in your own life. I have never had much luck solving problems when I am frustrated or in a negative head space. Read more>>
Mark Alonso
My optimism ultimately comes from my Lord Jesus Christ. God gives us mercy through him. Read more>>
Sya Anderson
People always tell me that I’m one of the most optimistic people they know, and I really have to thank my mother for that. My mom has always struggled with mental health. I grew up wondering if I would have the same challenges as a I got older, because they say mental health problems arise in your late teen-early twenties. Read more>>
Willa Cipolla
Everyone experiences negative or discouraging thoughts and emotions, it is unavoidable. However, when I am experiencing them, I always find myself coming back to the thought that there are billions of people to have ever lived a life, and no two people ever lived the exact same life or experienced the exact same things, therefore nobody can tell you what the correct way to live or pursue your dreams is. Read more>>
Kate Martin
I believe that I’ve always had an optimistic spirit, although in my younger days, I believe it was sometimes overshadowed with the logic that I will hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Now that I am older, I understand how counterintuitive that mentality was. As a believer and as my relationship with the Lord has grown, I’ve come to learn that who and what I put my hope in is directly related to my optimism. Read more>>
Anna Kline
First of all, thank you so much for having me. Hearing other’s Bold Stories has often kept me going, and I’m really honored to share a few of mine! Read more>>
Vy Nguyen
My optimism formed from having faced certain struggles, mainly regarding my family relationships. I also faced personal struggles with anxiety, self-esteem, and eating disorders. Read more>>
Dennis Marsico
I’ve always believed in the phrase, ‘obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal’ I try to live by that belief and by doing so it keeps my optimism strong. It’s not easy being optimistic and there are certainly challenges that detour or divert your attention but centering back to aiming for your goals keeps my optimism alive. Read more>>
Ana Fanakra
I have always been an optimist by heart. Ever since I was a young girl it’s always been easier for me to see the good than to notice the bad. It’s something that has put me in many different situations, both good and bad, but I don’t wish for anything different. Read more>>
Kathy Bruins
I think that giving up on something you really want to achieve is so sad. The “can do” attitude I have comes from learning that most things in life that are wanted need to be worked for and not giving up when you can easily achieve it. Read more>>
Cindy Lo
I haven’t been asked this question as often as the others so I chose this one. I never noticed that I was a glass-half full kind of leader until about a decade ago. And then fast forward to March 2020 when I realized more than anything that my attitude of how we were going to survive the devastation of the live events industry (thanks to the pandemic) was going to determine if we were going to even have a future story to share. Read more>>
Amelia Harshfield
In my experience and observations, optimism often comes when you know you have a sense of power and control over the situation. I spent a lot of my life trying to be optimistic but deep down struggling to sustain that. People would say just be grateful, or just be happy to me and I would try so hard. It’s really tough to do that when there is something that is pulling you back to pessimism but you do not know what it is and how to overcome that. Read more>>
Michel McNinch
Art binds us as a culture. We are inspired, informed, and energized by art. Read more>>
Lindsey Bone
I have always been a very optimistic person, simply because I don’t see the point in being anything else. I love cheering people up, and I love finding positivity throughout my life and the world. One of my favorite quotes of all time is “Everything happens for a reason”, and I really started to stand by that motto in High School. Read more>>
Gabe M
Staying hopeful can be quite a challenge in the realm of DIY artists and musicians. However, it’s crucial to remind yourself that your journey in this world is fueled by a genuine passion for music rather than seeking fame, praise, or wealth. Personally, my optimism is nurtured by the sheer joy of unleashing my creativity. Read more>>
Molly Schmidt
My optimism comes from the simple joy of living. Life itself is an experience that I feel blessed to have. The journey of life is not as you could ever imagine. The surprise of life itself brings me joy. My optimism comes in knowing that everyday is an opportunity and different than any other. Everyday the sun comes out to greet us and encourage us to live as our highest self and embrace an optimistic spirit! Read more>>
Michaela Majava
The biggest and most often part of me that people point out is my optimism and how do I keep that up when my life is so busy and not the easiest. I have to say it is all because of my youngest daughter, Stella Grace. She was born with a rare and complicated disease called 3B jejunoileal atresia which resulted in her rare condition now, intestinal dysmotility and newly found diagnosis of gastroparesis. I know, that is a mouthful. Read more>>
Valerie Brandy
The imagination is a powerful thing, especially for people in creative career fields who are always flexing that particular muscle. I’ve learned that our imagination can bring us either the best or worst case scenarios— and it’s better for us to put it to good work imagining possibilities over roadblocks. Read more>>
REV
There is always a way. Even in times I feel I’ve fallen off track, or that maybe life has tried to get in the way of my dreams, there is always a way back. Keeping sight of the bigger picture and maintaining focus is crucial to staying optimistic. Its easy to focus on the negative, or find flaws or issues wherever your at in life, so you have to sometimes take a step back and breathe. Read more>>
Ellen Stark
My optimism comes from my faith in God. Jesus doesn’t promise that our lives will be without hardship or obstacles, but He does promise that He will always be with us every step of the way. Read more>>
Sabrina Lopez
I grew up a relatively bright and cheerful person. When I was younger I was always running around singing and dancing in my own little world and it kept me generally positive throughout my childhood. Read more>>
Alberto Meza
I believe it comes from having to face difficulties at early stages in life. From visualizing unreachable goals (according to my thinking at the time) and working towards them and being able to reach them. I learned anything I want I can get it if I work hard without losing my focus on that goal. Read more>>
