Life Lessons:
David Mezzapelle
Are you happy at the moment?
Absolutely! And even when I’m stretched thin on agendas, obligations, etc. I am still happy. I appreciate my life. I believe you have nothing to lose from being happy versus the stress you definitely gain from being unhappy.
If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Life rips by fast. Savor the ups and appreciate the downs because they serve as your wisdom. Always know that everything works out for the best as long as you are positive and give 110% to whatever you do. And, most importantly, don’t sweat the small stuff!!
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
That more people than I thought really appreciate optimism and believe that finding the silver lining is the way for society to achieve happiness. I had no idea this many people were psyched about it. This epiphany is gratifying and it’s a testament to mankind in general.
What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
We are already achieving it. Our team is getting calls, letters, and emails daily from people that are telling us that they are finding silver linings in their troubles and that they are also counting their blessings – regardless of how many or few. This has always been our goal and we are finally seeing it happen. As our book project expands, and as we keep releasing volumes, we pray that this reaction will continue. And, fortunately, the profits we raise from book sales goes to different charities which adds to our mission and long-term outlook.
What’s your secret to happiness?
Positive Forward Thinking (PFT). PFT is the ability to find the silver lining in every cloud, apply it to yesterday and today, with the confidence that tomorrow will be better.
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
I exercise every morning no matter how early or late my day starts. This keeps me focused and grounded.
What’s your biggest regret?
I wish I had started this project earlier. Many people had been pushing me for years but I was focused on building my company. I feel like I lost 12 years of my life due to career-building. I will never get those 12 years back and I feel like I lost my thirties. But at least now I recognize that and savor every day.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
I don’t have kids but I do have interns, nieces, nephews and others. I tell them all to value hard work, be honest, respect others, live with a positive attitude, and give back to the community.
What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
Even though I enjoy my work, I do have chronic OCD and can never stop working. If there is something on my desk or in my inbox, I have to address it. I never know when to stop. I need to take more breaks and need to stop worrying about constant perfection.
Aside from motherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
Absolutely this Contagious Optimism project. I have done all types of great things, personally and professionally, but nothing has made me more psyched than this (other than connecting with my wife).
When were you happiest?
#1. When my dad survived major heart surgery and the doctor came out of the operating room and gave us the terrific results. Ironically, that was Dr. Oz before he was popular.
#2. When my wife and I connected after we initially met. I wasn’t sure if she was coming to this party and I had lost her name and number. Crazy story.
#3. When I heard that Viva Editions was publishing this book.
What ten words best describe you?
Psyched, persistent, confident, dedicated, loyal, honest, altruistic, empathetic, impatient, workaholic.
David Mezzapelle believes that we all have the capacity to make optimism contagious just by sharing our life’s adventures. Mezzapelle is the author of Contagious Optimism, an uplifting book series that contains real stories from real people around the globe which demonstrates that every cloud has a silver lining. Mezzapelle was the founder of Goliath Technology, a global data center infrastructure company. Mezzapelle also orchestrated one of the most innovative internship programs ever created, a staple for organizations today. After selling Goliath, Mezzapelle launched several companies and philanthropic initiatives along with serving on various boards. Throughout his life, Mezzapelle has encountered great peaks and valleys all of which he is grateful for and has always kept his glass “completely full.” Learn more at www.contagiousoptimism.com.
