People who feel pinched by difficult circumstances or just mildly unsatisfied with the way life is going need some reliable tools to nurture hope. Since science tells us that we can willfully and dynamically change about 40 percent of our thinking and, as a by-product, our circumstances, how do successful, happy people nurture the hope within their own 40 percent? If you can grow it, how?
Surely, day-to-day stressors and especially serious trouble can dampen hope, but many people who define themselves as happy warriors find ways to sustain hope through difficult days and, in many cases, a string of difficult days. Nurturing hope is a habit, and happy people do some or all of these things to build hope in their lives.
- Set goals and draw up a clear and direct plan to achieve them.
- Envision the future you want, combining high expectations with a realistic plan of attack.
- Develop the skills and talents you need to reach your goals.
- Think outside the box, using creative ideas to kick obstacles out of your way.
- Avoid negative people, stories, news, or movies; steer clear of anyone or anything that robs you of positive energy.
- Don’t get in a rush. Have compassion for yourself and others. Hope will return and remain if given the room and time to expand. (McDermott & Snyder, 1999)
To assess your current state of hopefulness and level of life satisfaction, go to www.authentichappiness.org. This UPenn website, directed by the brilliant Dr. Martin Seligman, one of the most prominent scholars of positive psychology, is a fantastic source of information about you, and who isn’t endlessly fascinated with himself or herself? I know I love to discover all of the wonderful things about me. Seriously, the index page will link you to lots of captivating and informative surveys, tests and questionnaires to measure your happiness and sense of well-being.
Have Hope, My Friend!
Doctor Mell
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McDermott, D & Synder, C R (1999). Making hope happen: A workbook for turning possibilities into reality. New Harbinger.
