How Useful is Hope?

Would you describe yourself as someone who lives in hope of a better future? Or do you dismiss hope as the last resort of the disenfranchised? The answer probably depends on what you mean by hope because it’s a word that covers a broad range of interpretations.

On the one hand, a positive set of expectations can maintain morale in difficult circumstances and encourage extraordinary feats of endurance. The ones who quit and fall by the wayside are often described as the ones who’ve lost all hope. Do you see the connection? But if we adopt a purely passive attitude and expect hopefulness to act as the catalyst that resolves our circumstances and miraculously improves our conditions, this is bound to be a recipe for disappointment.

Perhaps we would wiser to refer to positive expectations rather than hope because a positive attitude will impact on our perception and help us to identify opportunities rather than obstacles. The challenge with the concept of hope is that it often lapses into a passive example of wishful thinking.

The internet is full of material about how to create a better and more prosperous future by visualising your ideal situation. These mighty gurus of material success might add that no vision is sufficient without the appropriate effort to back it up. A clear vision is a very powerful way of focusing our energy and channeling our intent. But the only way to make things happen, to introduce meaningful changes, is to do something, to take action, in an appropriate and meaningful way. Hope may serve as a source of inspiration and a vital spark that keeps the flame of optimism alive. No question. But let’s agree to support our goals and aspirations with the necessary daily steps that will bring us closer to the realisation of our dreams. Hope, when allied with drive and determination, can make you a truly unstoppable force in the world.

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