The Importance of HOPE and Thinking Long Term

Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include: "expect with confidence" and "to cherish a desire with anticipation." Wikipedia

I have a daily practice of gratitude, setting intentions, reflections and prayer. Recently, I read about the subject of hope and it has stuck with me for a few days.

Here’s what I read:

“Why is hope essential? During World War II, Viktor Frankl, an Austrian Jew, was imprisoned in Auschwitz, one of the worst concentration camps where his wife and his parents died. Frankl was a trained physician and his experience led him to observe the value of hope. Those in the concentration camp who had a sense of hope would talk about the future and what they would do once they were freed or once the war was over; they became the ones to survive the kind of natural causes of death that wiped out others. Frankl saw the theme of surviving any hardship is for life to be oriented on the future, where the key to a person’s life lies in what they hoped for.

Frankl observed many psychologists who would spend hours unwrapping people’s pasts, but in reality, it is the sense of a future that gives meaning and purpose to their lives as well as the courage to deal with difficulties and issues from the past”.*

While we are in no way experiencing the pain and suffering that victims fell to during World War II concentration camps, I believe that there are lessons to be learned from the above script.

1. Stop living in the past

What struck me was that many of us do spend hours rehashing the past - past hurts, past injustices or past victories. And we hold onto them dearly instead of allowing our thoughts to dwell on a compelling future! Some of us are holding so tightly to the ideal that our worlds will return exactly the way they once were, and we will be sorrily disappointed. I believe it will take years before we’re face to face at trade shows and in crowded arenas feeding off one another’s energy and so we have pivoted our business accepting that.

2. Start dreaming for the future

We’re incredibly adaptable as humans if we allow ourselves to break free from the chains of the past and focus on the future of possibilities. A powerful step towards dreaming of the future is to create a vision board or “future” board of the positive experiences that you want to do once the pandemic is over. Write out goals that get you fired up and excited about where you’re headed and the small steps you can control and will take today to advance you there.  

3. Surround yourself with other believers

Share those goals, dreams and desires with other people who are ready to move forward. They too have an optimistic mindset and are solutions-oriented. Surround yourself with peers who are willing to release the past, accept the long-term impacts of the pandemic and are excited about what the future holds. You will find these peers also sharing their dreams for the future and talking optimistically about the years ahead. Limit your time with doubters. It is not your responsibility to hold the weight of other peoples’ burdens.

If you’re a leader, surround yourself with a team that is ready to focus on the future. They help you shape the long-term goals and vision. They are eagerly adaptable to the pivots and new services that your company offers and will cheer you on! They understand that the attitudes and decisions today will greatly impact the future success of the organization and they take hope seriously!

When it comes to hope, your associations will greatly impact your progress. How will you show up hopeful today?

*Source: Living Truth Media