Historically, we have always lived during challenging times. Even if you are experiencing rainbows and unicorns in your personal life, challenges are usually somewhere close by. At any given moment, the world can be a terrifying place. The threat of war, crime, escalating inflation, political polarization, social isolation, pandemics, global warming, Netflix, everywhere you look, a new controversy or threat is looming. To make matters worse, there are potential personal threats too: relationship misunderstandings, financial woes, and possible health issues. The list goes on. It would make more sense to feel despair rather than hope.
What can you do when you feel like everything is blowing up? Will your family be next? Clinging to hope in a tumultuous world can be a real challenge, especially when you’re starting to feel like you are losing control.
The good news is that you can find hope amid the storm. It is not always easy, and it takes a massive mindset shift, a lot of practice, and maybe even some mental health support, but you can do it.
What is hope?
Hope is a vision for a better future. Hope is believing that something better is on the horizon. It is the sense of “this too shall pass!” It is a positive expectation that what you desire will happen. According to the Bible, hope is an anchor for your soul.
Merriam-Webster defines hope as a “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment.” This definition highlights the two basic dimensions of hope: a desire and a belief in the possibility of attaining that desire.
In essence, hope is that part of human nature that allows us to believe and persevere in the heat of the battle; to persevere as we dream of a better future.
Why Do We Need Hope?
According to William Miller, professor emeritus at the University of New Mexico, “Having hope, as opposed to living in fear or being cynical, he argues, helps us to see possibility in present-day circumstances and not become overwhelmed. People who feel hopeful are good problem-solvers, more resilient and persistent, more engaged and productive at work, more creative and adaptable, and better at recovering from adversity. For these reasons and others, inculcating more hope in ourselves means we’re better equipped to handle problems and enjoy life more.”
In his new book, 8 Ways to Hope, Miller explains, “Given the plethora of positive characteristics with which it is associated, hope might be considered a master virtue. “It is a positive orientation of mind and heart toward your future or the world.”
There are many strategic ways to release the power of hope in your life. Here are a few to get you started on your journey.
8 Powerful Benefits of Finding Hope
- You Understand the Power of Hope:
Hope is a powerful tool in your growth journey. It is far more complex than “just looking at the brighter side” of any challenge. It involves emotions, thoughts, vision, action, and belief systems. It can conquer fear. Hope is contagious and challenges others around you to level up. It has the power to affect outcomes positively. It multiplies. It is a weapon!
- You Attack Problems with Creativity
Hope increases your creative capacity. It is another outgrowth of a clear mind, coupled with motivation. Hopeful people tend to be more goal-oriented and look harder for solutions. Their optimism causes them to think outside the box and get things done. They become more creative in reaching their goals.
- You Have More Successful Outcomes
Being hopeful naturally increases one’s degree of success. In a recent study, hopeful students had better grades and more sustained academic achievement. Optimistic people tend to set higher goals and do what it takes to pursue them. They are already expecting to succeed!
- You Have a Greater Sense of Meaning and Purpose
Hope tells you that all of your work is for a higher purpose. With this purpose comes the knowledge that everything you do will push you closer toward your goals and eventual success.
- You Live Adventurously
Living in hope means you have a positive expectation of outcomes, making you less hesitant when taking risks. On the other hand, hopelessness tells you that you’re going to fail. The good news is that hope is always around the corner, encouraging you to keep trying even if the outcome is sometimes less than expected.
- You Engage in Deeper Relationships
Hope allows you to enjoy the people around you and see them as being on your side. With a hopeful mind, you’re more likely to put effort into your relationships, to trust the other person more, and to allow yourself to be more vulnerable with them. This creates intimacy on intense levels.
- You Have Better Physical and Mental Health
Did you know that hope can positively impact your health? Hopeful people tend to heal faster and have more robust immune systems. They even report experiencing less pain than those who focus on the more negative aspects of their health. Hope has even been shown to improve your breathing and heart function. You’re also more likely to get through a significant health crisis if you’re hopeful than if you’re not.
- You Enhance Effectiveness as a Leader
“A leader is a dealer in hope”, according to Napoleon Bonaparte. But this is true! It is no secret that a leader’s unofficial purpose is to motivate and inspire those around them. A good leader casts a positive vision for the future. They create an environment for others to thrive as they successfully hit common goals. Hope allows you as a leader to provide clear direction, maintain resilience in the face of opposition, and cross the finish line.
Final thoughts
Hope is a way to “keep the faith” in times of uncertainty. It is a positive expression of our faith in times of trouble. Ultimately, a deep-rooted vision allows us to believe there is always a better future. And that, my friends, is HOPE!
Be well + prosper + keep HOPE alive,
Elaine xx
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