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Harnessing the Science of Optimism: Maria Ruberto on Mental Fitness & Resilience
Is optimism shaped by life experience, mindset, facts, or the people around us?
In this episode of That Optimism Man podcast, host Victor Perton speaks with Maria Ruberto, a vibrant, optimistic, and profoundly insightful psychologist, resilience coach, and founder of Salutegenics Psychology. Maria and her team recently won the Optimism & Wellbeing Award at the Melbourne Business Network Awards, recognising their trailblazing work in building cultures of optimism, resilience, and strength-based mental health.
With over 30 years of experience, Maria specialises in Salutogenic Psychology, which focuses on building mental fitness rather than just treating illness. In this conversation, she explains the science of optimism, highlighting its role in adaptability, creativity, and resilience. She also shares practical strategies to help individuals and leaders cultivate optimism daily.
• 57 min
The Science of Optimism with Maria Ruberto – A Strengths-
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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Key Insights from Maria Ruberto on the Power of Optimism
Throughout the conversation, Maria shared several thought-provoking insights on optimism as a science, a mindset, and a leadership tool.
🧠 Optimism & Mental Balance
"Optimism is the description that we give to our biological state of balance—it stabilises us when things are not going well."
Maria describes optimism as more than just a perspective—it is a biological state that helps regulate emotions and maintain balance, especially during uncertainty or adversity.
🚀 Optimism as a Driver of Growth & Innovation
"The role of optimism is about engaging in the process of moving forward—whether that is planning, creating, or being curious."
Optimism fuels progress and innovation. Maria explains that optimism is not passive positivity but an active force that helps individuals and organisations strategise, adapt, and create confidently.
🌍 Looking to the Horizon: A Simple Way to Foster Optimism
"Optimism requires a broad-lens focus. It's about stepping back, seeing the bigger picture, and understanding the landscape we are working with."
Maria highlights a simple yet powerful technique for cultivating optimism: looking to the horizon. She explains that when people physically shift their gaze outward—whether by stepping outside, looking at the sky, or finding a distant focal point—they activate brain pathways that promote a sense of openness and resilience.
This practice encourages a mental shift from feeling "stuck" in problems to seeing broader possibilities, making it an easy yet effective way to manage stress and enhance optimism.
💡 Optimism in the Face of Adversity
"Optimism doesn't mean avoiding struggle—it's about bringing courage and belief to the table when we are truly challenged."
Maria challenges the misconception that optimism is simply about feeling good. Instead, she describes it as a form of courage, allowing individuals to push forward and grow, even in difficult circumstances.
🎯 Optimism as a Conscious Choice
"What makes me optimistic? My ability to choose. Optimism is a choice, and it's one that I make every single day."
According to Maria, optimism is not just an innate trait—it is a decision that can be developed and strengthened through daily practice.
Practical Strategies for Cultivating Optimism
Maria offers three practical steps that individuals can take to become more optimistic:
✅ Develop Emotional Competence – Understanding and regulating emotions allows individuals to respond rather than react, building long-term resilience.
✅ Look to the Horizon – Stepping outside and gazing at the horizon can help shift the brain into a broader, more optimistic perspective.
✅ Use "I Will" Language – The words people use to shape their mindset. Saying "I will" instead of "I might" encourages momentum and action.
Join The Centre for Optimism
For those inspired by Maria's insights and looking to bring more optimism into their lives, work, and leadership, The Centre for Optimism offers a community dedicated to fostering positive thinking, resilience, and wellbeing.
Members of The Centre gain access to:
✅ Inspiring conversations
✅ Practical tools for cultivating optimism
✅ A global network of like-minded optimists
🔗 Join The Centre for Optimism Today
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Leesa shared this with us: "Love this. I went to see David Whyte today. He shares this exact philosophy in his poetry!"
James commented, "Fascinating insight, simple yet profound, resetting one's perspective to the horizon. In so doing, one's vision becomes intermingled with the power of others across space and time."
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