Banner Image
Wired for Optimism

Wired for Optimism

  • Bruce White
  • Johnson Kendall Johnson

When I was a sophomore in high school, I wrote a report in biology titled, “The Positives of Positive Thinking.” I’d chosen the subject because I was, to put it mildly, not science-minded. I remember that the research and writing was an agonizing process, but I found myself intrigued by the data around the impact of optimism. From my earliest memories, people had always noted my positive nature and ready smile. While I certainly have moments of sadness and anger, I don’t think I’d be exaggerating if I said I have a smile on my face most of the time. I’m just wired that way.

I got an A on that biology paper, and I still remember the comment that my teacher wrote on the top of the first page: “I don’t know if this is BS, but if you can keep this thought process, it will serve you well.”As I reflect on the power that positive thinking has played in my life since—personally and professionally—I can say unequivocally that she was right.

RESTRICTED CONTENT

Subscribe to EJ+ to gain access to our full library of Evergreen Content

Subscribe

More Articles and Videos

Photo of Revamp Team

How We Turned Our Worst Year into Our Most Important Year

  • Tyler Nelson
  • Revamp
August 11, 2026

Rooted: Codifying the Unspoken

  • Elizabeth Glasbrenner
  • Smiley Technologies, Inc.
August 04, 2026

From Purpose to Real Impact

  • Nick Craig
  • Core Leadership Institute
July 28, 2026
Colorforms at EDSI

High Touch, Low Tech: How We Reimagined Leadership with Colorforms

  • Kevin Schnieders
  • EDSI
July 21, 2026

Supporting Evergreen® leaders, their teams, and their companies through recognition, experiences, publications and programs to bring inspiration, new ideas, and proven best practices about business, family and life.