Resilient Optimism: The Science of Sustaining a Positive Mindset in Tough Times

Summary

Optimism—it's crucial for making progress in life and work. And it's easy to feel optimistic at the start of a new project or when you're on a successful roll. But when setbacks strike, optimism can quickly evaporate, dragging down performance, morale, and even health. With workplace engagement at an all-time low and burnout at historic highs, the key question becomes this: How do we sustain optimism—even through challenging times?

Bestselling author and researcher Michelle Gielan offers a science-backed answer in Resilient Optimism. Drawing on decades of research in positive psychology and neuroscience, Gielan reveals that making optimism endure isn't about forcing positive emotions or ignoring reality—it's about building simple, repeatable behaviors that create a positive mindset and make it stick.

With compelling stories and actionable strategies, Gielan guides listeners through five key behaviors: recalibrating mindset to focus on what's working, reframing stress as a tool for growth, triaging commitments to protect energy, recharging smarter to sustain performance, and connecting the dots of our busy lives through small acts that spark meaning. To support her advice, she shares breakthrough findings—from studies showing how optimism predicts success and health to real-world examples of leaders and teams who turned adversity into advantage.

Practical, inspiring, and deeply researched, this book shows that optimism isn't a predetermined trait—it's a trainable skill, accessible to anyone. Whether you're navigating organizational upheaval, economic uncertainty, or personal setbacks, Resilient Optimism is your roadmap for thriving in tough times.