WHY HOPE?
Why pursue an International Day of Hope?
Hopelessness is growing at unprecedented rates around the world. War, climate change, the consequences of the pandemic, the 24/7 negative news cycle; all of these are adding to persistent states of hopelessness. Yet we can and must learn ‘how’ to hope, to help manage the many challenges.
Hope impacts all aspects of life: graduation rates, workplace productivity, crime, addiction, health outcomes, lifespan, and even sports performance. Yet we are never taught ‘how’ to hope. According to Snyder (2002), individuals with higher levels of hope, as compared to their lower-hope peers.
Set higher-quality goals
Are better able to generate strategies to achieve their goals
Can predict and overcome obstacles
Effectively harness mental energy during goal pursuit
Emotional & Psychological Well-Being
Better Physical Health
Less Violence & Safer Environment
Superior Academic Performance
Higher Quality Leadership
Higher Productivity at Work
Better Retention & Graduation Rates
Less Loneliness
Lower Anxiety, Depression, & Addiction
Less Likelihood to Die by Suicide
Better Personal Relationships
Longer Life
As hopelessness is often a consequence of oppression and discrimination, we must learn how to manage the associated despair proactively through the activation of hope. Our mission is to spread hope science; the world must know the ‘how’ to hope so we all are armed with the skills to achieve the bold and audacious Sustainable Development Goals set for the world.
Want to learn more about the SDGs and Hope? Visit this page.
How hopeful are you? Measure your hope here.