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

As seen on The Today Show Praise for Resilient Optimism:Financial Times • — What to Read This Month • Porchlight — Best New Nonfiction Releases • Next Big Idea Club — September Must-Read Book

Featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Psychology Today, and Fast Company

Bestselling author and renowned positive psychology researcher Michelle Gielan reveals how to sustain optimism through stress, uncertainty, and change.

Decades of research show that optimism is one of the most powerful predictors of happiness, performance, and success. But when it evaporates, mental clarity, morale, and health all suffer. Feeling optimistic is easy when life is good. The real challenge is sustaining it through uncertainty, setbacks, and pressure, when we're tired, overworked, and searching for a win.

Amid rapid change, workplace disruption, and rising burnout, resilient optimism has never been more essential.

Drawing on the latest neuroscience, original research, and her work with thousands of leaders worldwide, Gielan reveals the repeatable behaviors that sustain optimism under pressure.

You'll learn how to:

Recalibrate your mindset • when setbacks or negative thoughts begin to take over Transform your stress response • so pressure can fuel performance instead of draining it Triage your commitments • and protect your time, energy, and attention Recharge smarter • so recovery actually restores your capacity Connect the dots • by noticing and sharing evidence that progress is possible and your actions matter

With breakthrough science and stories from people who turned adversity into advantage, you'll understand not only how to sustain your own optimism, but how to spread it to the people around you.

Resilient optimism is not a predetermined trait. It is a trainable skill, accessible to anyone. Whether you're navigating organizational upheaval, economic instability, or a personal setback, resilient optimism can help you stay grounded, hopeful, and effective when challenges persist.

© 2026 Harvard Business Review Press (E-bog): 9798892792707

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E-bog: 22. september 2026