Gatland is renowned for his positive outlook and has been part of delivering three RBS 6 Nations titles to Wales, including two Grand Slams.
And Warburton, the Lions skipper for their upcoming tour of Australia, reckons that mentality is being taken on board by Britain and Ireland’s elite.
“He is extremely optimistic as all Kiwis are and that’s what I am like myself and I think his confidence rubs off on the players,” said Warburton.
“I think everyone is ready now. On the Monday when we had those meetings we were just looking forward to getting on the training pitch, getting the ball in the hands and getting prepared for that first game because this is what everyone dreams of going on a Lions tour.
“The opportunity will pass you by if you don’t embrace it.”
The majority of Gatland’s Lions squad have spent the last week training and they face the Barbarians on Hong Kong on June 1.
There have been some suggestions that the Lions will be underprepared for the clash but Warburton has refuted those claims.
After spending last week in camp together, the Lions will face the Barbarians in Hong Kong on Saturday, June 1, and the Cardiff Blues star insists the tired British and Irish players will be ready.
“I think we should be quite well prepared for the Barbarians game,” added the Wales flanker.
“Preparation won’t be an excuse as we will have had three weeks together before kick-off and the Baa-Baas will have had less preparation time than us.”
