H.O.P.E. is a Strategy
I believe that H.O.P.E. is a strategy. Not wishful thinking rather a system of H.O.P.E. - habits, optimistic outlook, passion, purpose, perseverance, and excellence. Living out this system of self efficacy requires action. It requires an intentional practice of self reflection and self awareness to learn, lead, and consistently grow. In this article, I will provide concrete examples to show you that H.O.P.E. is a strategy for personal and professional growth.
Let’s start with H, which stand for habits. What are habits exactly? Habits are the small decisions and behaviors that you perform every day. Habit are small things that make a big impact….both positive and negative.
One of my favorite books is James Clear’s Atomic Habits. James Clear explains there are three levels of change involved in establishing new habits; outcomes, process, and identity. The first level is concerned with changing your outcomes. For example, losing weight. The second level is concerned with changing your processes. Implementing a new diet to help you lose weight. The third level is concerned with identity. Changing your beliefs, mindset, and worldview. For example, I am a healthy person so I eat a balanced diet. All three levels of change are good, but identity based habits are the ones that last because they are part of who you are.
Here’s where the action comes in…..self reflection. Decide the type of person that you want to be and prove it to yourself with small wins.
Next is O, which stand for optimistic outlook. Optimistic outlooks involves a positive mindset. Optimism can be learned over time through intentional practices.
Some of those intentional practices include gratitude, exercise, and mindfulness. I have a gratitude journal and have found that starting my day by writing down what I am grateful for changes the way that I approach the challenges throughout the day. I have been known to send a text or call those people in my life for whom I am grateful. This small act not only changed my day, but it had a positive impact on their day also!
Jon Gordon talks about gratitude walks. He has shared that he takes “Thank you walks” every day. When he walks, he says a prayer. He aptly points out that you cannot be stressed and thankful at the same time. Gratitude induces an optimistic outlook.
Mindfulness is a small but powerful habit that you also can engage in to change your outlook. Life is busy, and we must remember to ‘practice the pause’. Take time for yourself every day, even if it is only 5-10 minutes, to engage in deep breathing exercises, mindful eating, or simply focusing on a single sound or sight. Being present and taking care of yourself encourages an optimistic outlook.
P is for passion, purpose and perseverance. When I was younger, my dad told me that persistence was my best and worst trait. I’m sure you can imagine why he said that to me. I have learned that passion and purpose inspire perseverance.
My career is my calling….my purpose in life, and I am passionate about my calling. For this reason, I am persistent in achieving my goals in life. Sometimes people call passion, purpose and perseverance grit. Grit involves courage and strength in character. I believe that grit is necessary as we endeavor to overcome adversity and serve others.
Finally, E is for excellence. Jimmy Casas encourages us to “Live Your Excellence”. As educators, we are impacting numerous lives every year! Living your excellence means that you are raising the bar to help other realize their full potential.
Leading with H.O.P.E. requires an intentional practice of self reflection and self awareness. In turn, this builds self efficacy! We can all benefit from a system of self efficacy aimed at helping us realize our full potential.
So, start by self reflecting. Who are you? Who do you want to become? What habits do you need to begin or end? Do you have an optimistic outlook? What is your purpose? What fuels your passion? How can you persevere through adversity to live your excellence?
Start today! What are you waiting for?
