Hope: The Secret to Unstoppable Momentum #38

Once you’ve defined and refined your #1 Heroically SMART Goal, there’s one more thing you need to crush it: Hope.

Not vague, feel-good hope. We’re talking about the science-backed framework developed by Charles Snyder and Shane Lopez. Their research shows that hope isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a measurable, actionable strategy for achieving goals.

Here’s how it works: Hope = Goals + Agency + Pathways.

The Formula for Hope

1. Goals:

• A clear, compelling target you’re deeply committed to.
• Your #1 Heroically SMART Goal is your anchor—specific, measurable, and time-bound.

2. Agency:

• The belief in your ability to execute those strategies and overcome challenges.
• This is your grit, your persistence, your Soul Force in action.

3. Pathways:

• The multiple strategies or “routes” you create to achieve your goal.
• Hope thrives when you know you have options for navigating obstacles.

Snyder and Lopez discovered that hopeful people achieve more because they’re proactive. They anticipate obstacles, adapt their pathways, and stay motivated because they believe in their ability to succeed.

The Heroic Elite Mindset

At Heroic Elite, we’re not just hopeful—we’re actively building the pathways and agency to hit our goals. Hope isn’t passive—it’s a dynamic process fueled by:

• Your commitment to your #1 Heroically SMART Goal.
• Your belief that, no matter what, you’ll find a way to win.
• Your willingness to create new strategies when obstacles arise.
  
  

Action for Today

Activate the science of hope to power your progress:

1. Reconnect with Your Goal: Why does it matter deeply to you?

2. Identify Your Pathways: List at least two strategies for achieving your goal. If Plan A doesn’t work, what’s Plan B?

3. Build Your Agency: Reflect on past wins to remind yourself of your strength and resilience.

Hope isn’t just a feeling. It’s a skill. Let’s practice it today.

P.S. For more on this, check out the Philosopher’s Notes on:

• Making Hope Happen by Shane Lopez
• The ONE Thing by Gary Keller
• Rethinking Positive Thinking by Gabriele Oettingen