This chapter introduces the core concept of optimization by helping to build an instinctive understanding (or “grokking”) of its principles. Here, we explore optimization as a natural human and environmental process, using examples from daily life and nature. The goal of this chapter is to define and demonstrate key optimization terms, such as objectives, decision variables, and constraints. This chapter also highlights the real-world importance and wide use of optimization for both engineers and data scientists through various optimization problem types, such as single objective versus multi-objective, linear versus non-linear, and deterministic versus stochastic. The aim of this chapter is to be an interesting and easy read for beginners, preparing them for more technical discussions and definitions in later chapters through real-world optimization examples.