Hope Is Not a Strategy — Until You Act on It
2022 can be your year of HOPE—a time to embrace change and success.
"Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are." - Augustine of Hippo
In "Change Your World," John Maxwell explains the core action needed to embrace Hope. He writes:
"…hope can be the greatest asset for a person or organization, and it is often the difference between success and failure."
If Hope is so vital, do we truly understand it and how to cultivate it?
Is Hope Important?
Have you ever felt helpless or hopeless?
In the early 1990s, a friend of mine went through a divorce he didn’t want. John was afraid he’d lose his children and everything he loved. He felt hopeless and even thought about giving up. Thankfully, after getting good advice, he decided to keep going. With a better outlook, he worked with the court to find a plan that, while not perfect, was better than he feared.
In another situation, two friends divorced after 25 years together. One of them became deeply sad and later died from a drug overdose. Why was there such a big difference between these two outcomes?
Hope and helplessness are at opposite ends of a spectrum. When we feel hopeful, we look forward to change. When we feel hopeless, we often feel stuck and may act less or make poor choices. The American Heritage Dictionary says hope means wishing for something possible.
To have confidence; trust.
To desire and consider possible: synonym: expect.
Another definition says this:
"…faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
When we hope for something, we believe it could really happen. Hoping for something impossible is more like wishing or daydreaming. For example, I can picture myself flying a starship to another galaxy, but that isn’t possible right now. Still, it’s fun to imagine.
Turning Hope to Reality
When we hope for something, it shows that it matters to us and might even be a goal. But hope alone doesn’t lead to results. As someone wise once said,
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is like a tree of life."
Many people have hopes that never come true. Hope is a great place to start, but it needs something extra to become real. Combine hope with purposeful action to reach your dreams. Here are three practical steps to help you achieve your hopes.
Make sure your hope or dream matches your purpose. If it doesn’t, think about whether it’s practical. Focus on the hopes that matter most to you.
Take action on purpose. Each week, pick three steps that move you closer to your hope or dream. Focus on what you can control. For example, if I want to run a marathon, I can train for it. If my hope is for someone else, like a child’s attitude, I might only be able to pray and offer support. Keep in mind that what you do and say can help or hurt your chances of success.
Get others to help keep you accountable. Find people who will support you and check in on your progress. Accountability can help you reach your dreams more quickly. A professional coach can also be a great resource.
Remember John Maxwell’s advice for success: things often take longer, cost more, and need more effort than you think. Be ready for detours and setbacks. Prepare for challenges, hope for the best, and keep going.
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H Mark Taylor lives on a farm with his partner, enjoys spending time with German Shepherds, and practices mindfulness. He has over 20 years of coaching experience, a Master’s in Information Management from Washington University, and several leadership and cybersecurity certifications. He credits his wife, Young, and God for his success.
© copyright 2022 H Mark Taylor
