We examine two different techniques for studying quantum field theories in which a 'variational' optimization of parameters plays a crucial role. In the context of the O(N)-symmetric λϕ\sp4 theory we discuss variational calculations of the effective potential that go beyond the Gaussian approximation. Trial wavefunctionals are constructed by applying a unitary operator U=e\sp−isπ\sbRϕ\sbspT2 to a Gaussian state. We calculate the expectation value of the Hamiltonian using the non-Gaussian trial states generated, and thus obtain optimization equations for the variational-parameter functions of the ansatz. At the origin, φ\sbc=0, these equations can be solved explicitly and lead to a nontrivial correction to the mass renormalization, with respect to the Gaussian case. Numerical results are obtained for the (0 + 1)-dimensional case and show a worthwhile quantitative improvement over the Gaussian approximation. We also discuss the use of optimized perturbation theory (OPT) as applied to the third-order quantum chromodynamics (QCD) corrections to R\sbe\sp+e\sp−. The OPT method, based on the principle of minimal sensitivity, finds an effective coupling constant that remains finite down to zero energy. This allows us to apply the Poggio-Quinn-Weinberg smearing method down to energies below 1 GeV, where we find good agreement between theory and experiment. The couplant freezes to a zero-energy value of α\sbs/π=0.26, which is in remarkable concordance with values obtained phenomenologically.