Hope is often seen as a vague or 'wishy-washy' concept. It can feel intangible and abstract, lacking the concrete, measurable qualities we associate with more practical or logical ideas. Unlike a clear plan or goal, hope is more about a belief in possibilities, which can make it seem vague or unrealistic, especially in situations where outcomes are uncertain or difficult.
Besides the emotional benefits, hope has been found to motivate healthier behaviours. Data from one study of almost 13,000 older adults found that people with a greater sense of hope had better physical health and health behaviour outcomes, including fewer chronic conditions, lower risk of cancer and fewer sleep problems.
When we believe good things are possible, we tend to make decisions that align with that belief. Whether it's taking better care of your health or improving your life in small but significant ways, hope propels us to make positive changes.
Creating hope is an active process that involves taking purposeful steps towards your goals. The evidence-based practice of hopeful thinking involves two key elements: pathways and motivation.
First, you need to be able to see workable routes or strategies to reach your goals. This might mean breaking down large challenges into smaller, manageable steps or finding creative solutions when faced with obstacles. Then, taking action towards these creates motivation and energy to follow through on these pathways.
Importantly, hope doesn't mean ignoring life's difficulties - it means embracing the possibility of better days while acknowledging the tough ones.
Tarnya Davis is a clinical and forensic psychologist and principal of NewPsych Psychologists newpsych.com.au
