In studying Optimize.Me content and learning different aspects of philosophy and psychology, hope is a repeating theme and apparently has a strong impact on our overall well-being. Simply stated, hope is the belief that our future will be better than our present/past.
Paraphrasing my understanding of hope and the research behind it, hope requires three components: Vision, Agency and Multiple Pathways.
- Vision: The goal or future that is imagined or desired
- Agency: The ability to execute
- Multiple Pathways: Endless iterations of a plan to pursue the vision
Let’s use a marathon as an example:
- Vision: Completion of a 26.2 mile run and crossing the finish line
- Agency: The physical strength, endurance, and commitment to train
- Multiple Pathways: Various training strategies learned from experienced runners and other resources
In this example, the runner has a vision of crossing the marathon finish line. But do they have agency? Not if they have just had knee surgery, are working too many hours or are only half heartedly committed. Multiple pathways? Will the runner quit training or do what it takes to get the training in regardless of the weather, injury, fatigue and time constraints.
All of this background leads me to the phrase “Not Yet.” I am no researcher, but I have found an easy way to go from despair to hope is to use the phrase “not yet” when asked about a completion of a goal I have identified for myself.
Some Examples: Have you:
- …Completed that marathon?
- …Forgiven someone?
- …Made that donation?
- …Sent that thank you note?
- …Quit smoking?
- …Earned a million dollars?
Answering “not yet” as opposed to “no” is enough for me to feel hopeful. I can’t argue with science, and understand where the three components come in, but I find that answering my own probing questions, or those from others, with these two simple words, sums it up nicely, no matter how outlandish or unlikely something may seem.
Next time you are pondering a goal you set for yourself, or if someone asks you about it, and you are not where you wanted to be by now, try responding with “not yet” as opposed to “no” and feel your energy shift. Yes, you will need vision, agency and multiple pathways but first these two words can keep hope alive!