Why we need hope

Nov 11, 2014
2 min read

Where would we be without hope? A hope for a better tomorrow; a hope that what we've been through served some purpose; a hope that our lives make a difference in this world. Hope is what keeps us pushing ahead through the tough times. Why is hope important? Well, life can be challenging. There are many obstacles. Having goals is not enough. We have to stay on track towards those goals regardless of what may come our way. Hope allows people to approach problems with a mindset and strategy-set suitable to success, thereby increasing the chances they will actually accomplish their goals.

According to Pyschology Today, hope is not just a feel-good emotion, but a dynamic cognitive motivational system. Under this conceptualization of hope, emotions follow cognitions, not the other way round. Hope-related cognitions are important. Hope leads to learning goals, which are conducive to growth and improvement. People with learning goals are actively engaged in their learning, constantly planning strategies to meet their goals, and monitoring their progress to stay on track. A bulk of research shows that learning goals are positively related to success across a wide area of human life—from academic achievement to sports to arts to science to business.

Those lacking hope, on the other hand, tend to adopt mastery goals. People with mastery goals choose easy tasks that don’t offer a challenge or opportunity for growth. When they fail, they quit. People with mastery goals act helpless, and feel a lack of control over their environment. They don’t believe in their capacity to obtain the kind of future they want. They have little to no hope.

Has there been a time in your life where you didn't know how you would come out on the other side? When it was all you could do to get out of bed in the morning? What got you through those times? What made you hold on? Was it faith? The support of others? Your own inner strength? It's often in these 'hopeless' situations that incredible strength, determination, clarity and courage is born. I learned so much in those times in my life, that I am now grateful for because they were stepping stones to where I am now. That's not to say I wish to experience them again but I'm glad I was able to learn from those experiences (even though the realization sometimes came years later!).

Hope is not just to be received but to be given. Who in your life needs a reminder of this right now? Who needs to hear that this too shall pass and all things happen for the good even when we don't see or understand it?

Are you holding on to hope for a sign, for the promise of a better life, a better future? If you're looking for clarity and direction that is in line with your purpose and passion, I would love to speak with you.