Hope is a powerful tool.
Hope is defined as: “to expect with confidence, or to trust with anticipation.” Do you have hope?
I often interact with professionals who share they have lost hope. When I hear someone say, “I have no hope” or “My hope is gone” — for whatever reason — it breaks my heart.
The loss of h
ope can take one to a dark and lonely place. It can create despair even when the world offers abundance.
To me the loss of hope means you have stopped trusting yourself, your creator, and maybe, all the blessings of this world. Loss of hope may also mean you have stopped seeking support. You may believe no one can, or will, help you. It may also mean you have bought into the myth that successful people don’t struggle.
When I witness that level of lost hope in a job search or a career situation, I want to cry. That single shift in thinking may lead one into a downward spiral. Or it may end a valuable career. The result is the world misses out on the value you have to offer.
Many in my field don’t want to discuss the issues related to loss of hope. I believe it is time to start talking about this issue in a truthful manner.
Professionals know, yet sometimes forget, our careers and lives are journeys. These journeys are not made alone. Years ago, a mentor taught me: “You don’t come into this world alone, you don’t succeed alone, and you don’t exit this world alone, unless that is your choice.”
Building a career, searching for your next position, and serving and leading organizations will have tough spots. Yet, there are always those who will help and support you.
Yes, organizations, systems, individuals and sometimes you, create barriers to truthful communication, honestly and support. It does exist. It is part of the world and our current system. However, we can change this if we speak the truth.
On Wednesday evening October 1, several delightful, confident and successful businesswomen (lead by Michelle Tenzyk, a Human Resource Professional I admire) will begin a conversation and launch a movement. This is a movement I believe every professional should know about and watch. The movement has been titled, “The Truth Behind Our Titles™.”
Why should all professionals know about it?
“The Truth Behind Our Titles™” begins a real conversation about the truth behind successful professionals. I believe it will set the stage for new and different business conversations. Conversations with the potential to shift the belief that professional success requires you to hide or disguise your inner struggles and difficulties.
This movement will not only create shifts that will impact professionals and relationships at the executive level, but at all levels. It will impact not only individuals, but also organizations and systems, as well.
The October 1 event will open a forum for conversation about professionals as whole people. Please plan to attend this event if you are in the NYC area. Learn more here and watch for events in your area in 2015.
It is not possible to build our personal brands on a solid foundation if we cannot truthfully communicate who we are. When leaders and other high achievers willingly speak out about their own ups and downs, I believe many organizations and the people within them will have the courage to follow suit.
As the world hears the message in “The Truth Behind Our Titles™” movement, I do believe it will create a shift. A shift that allows for hope and a powerful model for how professionals can share the truth in a positive manner.
In Michelle Tenzyk’s words, “Hope, once found, is one of the most powerful tools.” All of us struggle at one time or another. Isn’t it time to share the truth without fear of unintended consequences?
Tickets for the NYC October 1 event are on sale now. You can register here: http://thetruthbehindtitles.com. Go if you are able.
Stay tuned for more from me on this movement. Here is a post with additional insights. Please share your comments and thoughts below.
I very much enjoyed your reflections on having hope versus hope. Having lost all hope indeed is a very dark place to be. To expect with confidence. To trust with anticipation. I like that! My name Nadia actually means hope. Coincidence? I think not. I do always carry hope in my heart. It is a part of me.
Nadia – a beautiful name. No coincidence I agree. Feels like you not only carry hope in your heart you share it with the world and help bring a lightness to all. Have an amazing evening.