On a previous blog post, I introduced the Hope Theory developed by Charles Snyder.
In that post, we discussed the formula for hope:
HOPE = GOALS + PATHWAYS + AGENCY
Since that time, I’ve been doing more research on the power of hope and this formula.
I came across another summary of Snyder’s work that describes the theory in this way:
“Hope reflects a mental set in which we have the perceived willpower and waypower to get to our destination. If a person does not have both the willpower and waypower for goals, there cannot be high hope.”
– Source
I like how this one flipped agency to willpower and pathways to waypower.
HOPE = GOALS + WAYPOWER + WILLPOWER
Easy to remember.
My Perspective
Since I found this formula for hope, I’ve been describing myself as a “hope coach”.
As we move on our personal development journeys, we set goals and work on both our willpower and waypower to move us forward.
All this research got me thinking about developing an acronym for hope.
Something that digs in a little deeper to willpower and waypower.
This is my insight on how we use HOPE to meet our goals:
H – Habits – We need to work habits that tie to our goal into daily/weekly routines. (willpower)
O – Optimization – Looking at these habits over time and making them better. (willpower)
P – Possibilities – This could also be “Plan B”…when something fails what else will we try (waypower)
E – Evaluation – We need to evaluate progress periodically to know when we get off track (waypower)
Keeping sight of our goals and applying these four elements significantly increases our chance of success.
“Memories are the window to the past. Hope is our window to the future.”
– Lori Sullivan
If you would like to discuss your formula for the year ahead, please set up a free 30-minute meeting here.
Your Turn
What do you think of the hope theory?
Have you used a combination of willpower and waypower to meet your goals?
How could this framework help you with the resolutions you’ve set for 2024?