APPLY THE POWER OF HOPE AT WORK & HOME

Positive psychologists have been researching interventions and protective practices that empower people to flourish – and here’s some powerful good news. One of the biggest predictors of health, happiness (life satisfaction) and well-being is a simple four-letter word: hope.

Hope is an optimistic state of mind and if one isn’t naturally on board the positivity train, it’s something that can be developed. I see hope as a solution, a strategy and a skill that we can leverage personally, professionally and organizationally – and I’ll explore examples of this in just a moment.

But first, consider this: 

Hope is characterized by a general belief that good things can and do happen and will continue to happen into the future.

I encourage you to read more about the power of hope here. Additionally, here are three examples (and a boatload of encouragement) for cultivating greater hope within your work and life:

How to Personally Use Hope

Make a list of three past successes. In this exercise, success is defined as any experience that produced a desired result for you. This could be something as simple as getting a great night’s sleep, having more energy, paying off a debt or losing five pounds. When we take time to recognize past accomplishments, it can reiterate this positive affirmation: “If I did it once, I can certainly do it again.”

How to Professionally Use Hope

Consider one superpower that you are proud to call your own. Maybe you’re phenomenal at remembering names, public speaking, developing processes or designing a spreadsheet. Celebrating strengths – and seeking out specific opportunities to apply those strengths – is likely to create a variety of empowering workdays and projects ahead. Reflect on a past opportunity that utilized your strength and trust that those types of doors will continue to open for you when you take pride and ownership of what you do best and what you enjoy most.

How to Organizationally Use Hope

Vision and hope go hand-in-hand. If your team is clear and unified on an exciting future possibility, then something aspirational is brewing. An aspirational vision (that in turn casts hope) is ideally co-created. This process invites everyone to the table to daydream about the best possible future for all involved.

I invite you to consider how hope might be a driving force for good – not only for yourself but those around you, too. Reflect on past blessings, consider current opportunities and plan adventures you and your loved ones can look forward to you. Some say, “May the force be with you.” I’d say, “May the hope stay with you.” Enjoy exploring this theme in the days and weeks ahead!

Need help layering these concepts into meaningful workplace experiences? Let us help. Click here to book your free discovery call.

Author: Katy Tombaugh