At its essence, optimism is the belief that good things will happen-and that things will work out in the end. It's not blind positivity. It's courageous conviction, purpose-fuelled realism, and bold action in the face of challenge.

Scientific research shows that optimism improves health, strengthens the heart, improves sleep, and is linked to longer life. It fuels innovation, anchors resilience, and drives bold, transformative leadership-especially in times of uncertainty.

This book brings together ten years of research, lived experience, and global conversations sparked by one powerful question: "What makes you optimistic?" From boardrooms to bush communities, from major conferences to prisons and schools, Victor Perton has explored optimism in all its forms and faces.

In her introduction to Victor Perton's earlier book, The Case for Optimism: The Optimists' Voices, Helen Clark, former New Zealand Prime Minister and UN Development Programme Administrator, wrote:

"Good things happen when good people get together in common cause."
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More than 200 people have shared their wisdom and insights in this book. Their views sparkle off the pages. Most will inspire, some will amuse, and others aim to improve leadership today."

In this updated and expanded edition, those 200 voices have grown to more than 600. And thousands more have joined the optimism movement across workplaces, communities, and countries.

This book is for readers seeking greater optimism, leaders looking to inspire their teams, and anyone wanting to brighten their day and conversations.

It's structured in three uplifting parts:

• Part 1: The Why of Optimism
• Part 2: The How of Optimism
• Part 3: The Inspiring Voices of Optimism-featuring real responses to the question "What makes you optimistic?"

As readers flip through its pages, they'll find powerful habits, fresh language, and quotes ready to uplift conversations, strategy, and leadership.

And one daily habit that transforms interactions?
Stop asking, "How are you?"
Start asking, "What's been the best thing in your day so far?"

This simple shift spreads optimism. It builds connection. It makes optimism magnetic.

Because the future is built through joyful moments, courageous choices, and the daily practice of optimism.

This book was refreshed in 2025 with six years of additional experience in inspiring people to adopt new habits to enhance their optimism and lift the people around them.

Some Endorsements:

Professor Marcia Devlin

"The work of Victor Perton on optimism in leadership is inspiring."

Danielle Guttman-Klein

"Victor, You are my North Star on optimism. You have an innate capability of understanding issues and circumstance, and spinning the solution in a positive, collective and realistic fashion. It is no surprise to me that you are taking a strong lead in an optimistic movement and I am certain, with your energy and commitment that optimism will prevail."

Peter Kronborg, Chair, Wise Counsel Associates

"Consider Optimism as the top end of a simple straight bar magnet. It is an invisible energy that attracts good and feels good. And Pessimism is at the other end. It repels and feels bad. We can't always be at the optimistic end but if we generally flow and feel into that energy then Like will attract Like. Simple ! Victor's book helps polish the top of our life magnet ! Love it."