Hope, a Motivator of Action

In psychology, researchers define hope as an emotion that arises when expectations are not being met, or seem like they will never be met. But if one can find reason to hope, or a new way to fulfill those expectations, then hope is renewed. As psychiatrist Alfred Adler once stated, "We cannot think, feel, will, or act without . . . a goal."

Goals are object-oriented, whether material (a new car), or abstract (becoming an astronaut). To achieve a goal, we need willpower. We will goals through mental energy (imagining the process and desired end), sustaining the intent to achieve the goal.

A distinction exists between hope and optimism. Hope plans and executes actions to bring about a desired end. Optimism looks on the bright side, but does not think about how to achieve the desired end. Hope considers all possibilities and opportunities, while despair sees none.

Researchers have defined three kinds of hope. Desperate hope occurs when an overwhelming need surfaces, and the person does whatever it takes to fulfill it, almost without reservation. Optimism--or seeing the glass as half full instead of half empty--relies on the belief the desired end is obtainable. Realistic hope predicates itself on the likelihood of the desired end actually occurring, given the facts.

Hope as a process possesses desirable benefits. When we engage hope, we engage positive emotions. We develop the habit of happiness, the capacity for joy, the attribute of courage, and the gift of empowerment.

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