Hanging On to Hope, Even in the Face of Disappointment

"None of these responses are adaptive. Instead, they make it difficult to move forward to face challenges or achieve the outcomes we desire. This is where hope comes in. Hope is not a form of wishful thinking that absolves us from taking the steps necessary to improve our lives. It is the belief that our actions can result in positive changes, that caring for others is meaningful, and that there are other people who are doing the same thing."

"The implication is that hope is unsophisticated or naive. In reality, it is an essential strategy for coping with an inherently dangerous, unpredictable world. Whether we are dealing with inhospitable weather, hostile predators, or other people who want our resources, we have no guarantee that the actions we take or decisions we make will result in our survival. In fact, life often consists of making choices in the moment and hoping that we have made the right decision."

Hope is a motivational state that encourages people to overcome adversity and face uncertainty. Human life requires making choices without guarantees, and hope helps sustain action despite unpredictability and risk. Fear, indecision, avoidance, and cynicism undermine adaptive responses and hinder progress toward desired outcomes. Hope supports the belief that actions can produce positive changes, that caring for others matters, and that others share similar commitments. Combining hope with care, openness, and perseverance increases the likelihood of effecting beneficial change. Hope requires effort and is not mere wishful thinking; it motivates determined work to make life better.

Read at Psychology Today