Hope: A Step Toward the Future

The time has finally come to introduce hope!

I personally really love this concept, and it is something that is also highly valued at Recovery Colleges.

During a site visit to a Recovery College, it was explained to me that they emphasize three things: Hope, Opportunity, and Control—but at the time, I felt a bit uncomfortable with a scientific institution using an abstract word like 'hope'.

However, when I studied positive psychology, I clearly remember being very convinced because it linked up with the direction the Recovery College was aiming for.

So, I would like to introduce what it is right away!

The 'hope' I am talking about here is not like a faint light seen in the distance; it is composed of two aspects. Those two elements are...

1) Being motivated toward a goal

2) Being able to create a plan to achieve that goal

It is a state where not only does a goal exist and motivation to achieve it is high, but the path to achieving it is also visible.

It is the image of reaching out with your own hands to grasp a clear light of hope, isn't it?

Seizing 'Opportunity' to grasp 'Hope,' and moving through life by maintaining 'Control' over oneself—learning this theory of hope made me realize that this is what Recovery Colleges aim for, and it really made sense to me.

Next, I will share two concepts that go well with this hope.

They are self-efficacy and self-esteem.

Self-efficacy is the power to think 'I can do it!' that I mentioned before.

When your motivation for a goal is high and you have a plan for achieving it, if you can feel 'I can do it!', then there is nothing left to do but move forward!

Self-efficacy functions to help you persevere and overcome even when things are difficult, so it is a power I recommend building up.

I touched on the relationship between self-esteem and hope briefly in a previous article (just a line or two).

The correlation between self-esteem and hope has been demonstrated in research many times.

Note: Correlation means that when one goes up or down, the other also goes up or down.

Therefore, it is quite possible that increasing self-esteem leads to hope, so it is a good idea to try out the content covered in various books.

It is easy to imagine how feeling that you have value and being able to see hope are related, isn't it?

Actually, it is important to think about the balance of related concepts rather than just considering one element like this.

By improving various elements without bias, they will support and enhance each other.

As a result, the strength to keep moving forward during both good and difficult times will be acquired comprehensively!

I have digressed a little, but I will end by sharing some points for maintaining and improving hope.

Believe that the future is open and that you can influence it, and take action.

Any action can lead to hope.

Now, what kind of step will you take today?

Here is some happy additional information!

This article was introduced by Yuyu-san, who works at an elementary school as a psychological counselor and support staff for students who refuse to attend school!

Yuyu-san's article introduces wonderful support that truly embodies the content I shared this time.

It is a heartwarming article that makes me feel once again how wonderful it is to provide warm and close support.

The content is very engaging, so please be sure to check it out as well!