AFA #63: Assurance in the Wait - Have You Perfected Pessimism? Get Your Hopes Up. (Series Pt 4)

Welcome back to "Assurance in the Wait," a 4-part series dedicated to guiding career professionals and entrepreneurs through a season of transition or delay in their dream career and life. This week, let’s dive into a topic that hits home for many of us: the trap of pessimism. As I mentioned last week, we may be 6 months into the year but the final score hasn't been announced. Keep pushing, there's nothing more inspiring than a story of the underdog finally reaching their breakthrough!

Think back to a time when you faced a significant setback- for some of us we don't need to think too far back. Maybe it was a job you didn’t get, a deal that fell through, or a project that didn’t go as planned. How did you feel? Most of us, naturally would've felt disappointed, frustrated, and maybe even a bit cheated. Over time, especially when experiencing layered failures (multiple things going wrong at the same time) it’s easy for feelings to build up, creating a defense mechanism of pessimism.

You might even start to think that expecting the worst is a way to protect yourself from future disappointment.

I've mentored several people who after a series of rejections from their dream companies, started to believe that they weren’t cut out for the roles they aspired to. Their once energetic enthusiasm about pursuing their goals was replaced by a guarded, cautious approach.

One of my clients (let's call her Sarah for privacy) stopped applying to top positions, and instead started applying to whatever was out there, convinced that it wasn’t worth the effort and she just needed SOMETHING. Sarah had perfected pessimism, and it was holding her back.

As an entrepreneur who's faced countless rejections when pitching my startup ideas. Instead of giving up, I viewed each "no" as a step closer to my "yes." I refined my pitch, improved my services, and kept my vision clear.

My hope isn’t blind optimism; it's a strategy, the force behind my perseverance

Hope is more than just a feel-good emotion. It’s a critical element of resilience and innovation. When you allow yourself to hope, you become open to new possibilities. Hope gives you the courage to take risks, the strength to endure setbacks, and the vision to see beyond current challenges.

So how do you foster hope in your own journey? Here are some strategies I use:

1. Visualise Success: Take time each day to visualise your goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Picture yourself overcoming all the obstacles in your way and reaching your desired outcomes. This practice reinforces a positive outlook and keeps your end goals in focus.
2. Set Incremental Goals: Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small! This approach keeps you motivated and helps you see the progress you’re making.
3. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Seek out mentors, colleagues, and friends who encourage and inspire you. Positive influences are crucial, especially during challenging times.
4. Reflect on Past Successes: Remind yourself of past achievements and the obstacles you’ve already overcome. This reflection provides a sense of accomplishment and reinforces the proof that already exists that you have an ability to succeed.
5. Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge the positive aspects of your life and career. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, allowing you to build a hopeful and optimistic mindset.

It’s time to rethink the notion that being hopeful is being naive. Embrace optimism as a strategic advantage in your professional journey. Hope is what propels you forward, fuels your creativity, and helps you navigate uncertainty with confidence.

As cheesy as you might think this sounds, I will still say it: continue to pursue your dreams, while holding onto hope. Let it guide your actions, influence your decisions, and sustain your spirit. Your career and entrepreneurial success depend not just on your skills and efforts!

If you found this newsletter helpful, please share it with your network.

Stay tuned for more insights and strategies for professional growth and success in my upcoming posts.

Sincerely,

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1. Register for my next webinar Tuesday July 9th @ 7pm CEST.
2. Book a 1:1 Coaching or Consulting Call with me to clarify your career ambitions or grow your business.
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