What exactly makes up what we call hope? In the realm of positive psychology, experts like Shane J. Lopez have established hope into three interconnected elements: goals, pathways, and agency. In this post, we’ll explore the interconnected elements of hope, uncovering the significance of each part in building resilience, achieving goals, and cultivating a hope mindset.
Goals
Hope is more than just fleeting wishes or emotions. Its concrete targets (goals) that give purpose to our endeavors. Whether it’s advancing in your career, meeting a personal milestone, or making change within your organization or community, goals provide us with direction and drive. As Lopez emphasizes, setting realistic goals act as our compass, guiding us through life’s uncertainties with clarity and purpose.
Pathways
The journey toward our goals isn’t always straightforward. Here’s where pathways come in. Rather than sticking to a single route, individuals with a hope mindset understand that there are many paths to success. They’re adaptable, ready to navigate the inevitable barriers and detours, and embrace ambiguity and change. As, Snyder puts it, hope isn’t about wishful thinking – it’s about actively exploring different avenues that lead us towards progress in our goals.
Agency
Yet, even with clear goals and flexible pathways, hope needs action to thrive. This is where agency comes into play. Agency is our belief in our ability to make things happen, to overcome obstacles, and to shape our futures. With agency, we take charge to persevere through challenges.
Cultivating Hope
By diving deeper into the three vital components of hope – goals, pathways, and agency – we’ve gained insights into the inner workings of this transformative mindset. In understanding the science behind hope, we equip ourselves with the tools to navigate challenges with clarity, adaptability, and determination.
Moving Hopeward
At Hopeward our approach centers hope. We help individuals, organizations, and collaboratives cultivate hope so that they can create the future they want to see. We generate pathways to address the challenges of non-profit and social services work, and believe in cultivating hope champions within the organizations we partner with. Learn more about the science of hope here.
Let’s move hopeward, together.
- Lopez, Shane J. Making Hope Happen: Create the Future You Want for Yourself and Others. Atria Books, 2013.
- Snyder, C.R. Psychology of Hope: You Can Get Here from There. Free Press, 1994.
