Reclaiming Hope: The Gift That Holds Us Up

As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches, we’re offered a powerful opportunity to reflect, reset, and renew. One of the most important gifts we can give—to ourselves, to our teams, and to those we lead—is the gift of hope.

But this isn’t the kind of hope that relies on wishful thinking or crossing fingers for a lucky break. True hope is something far deeper, more transformative, and asks more of us.

Hope is a present confidence for a future circumstance. It’s the ability to stand courageously in this moment, knowing we have what it takes to face the unknowns ahead, regardless of how uncertain or uncontrollable they may seem.

Hope is not about pinning our confidence to the outcomes of specific circumstances. Circumstances are conditional and often beyond our control. When we place our hope in them—whether it’s getting the job, making the deal or big play, or finding the perfect partner—we risk feeling crushed when life doesn’t unfold according to that plan. It relinquishes our power and energy, as we become so fixated on the outcome that we overlook the beauty of the process and the preparation.

Have you ever pinned your hopes on something or wished someone would show up a certain way, only to be let down? Most likely, yes—because that's life. A missed opportunity, a failed attempt, or another year slipping by without the clarity you desperately sought. These moments can make hope feel like a trap, as if the universe is playing a cruel joke.

But what if the problem isn’t hope itself? What if the issue is where we place our hope?

A Shift in Perspective

We often treat hope as a verb. I hope it doesn’t snow today. I hope I get the promotion. I hope the plan works out. This kind of hope depends on external circumstances aligning with our expectations. It’s fragile and fleeting because it relies on things outside of our control.

But what if we shifted our perspective and saw hope as a noun—not just something we do, but something we have?

Hope, as a noun, is a tangible, unshakable anchor. It’s not about wishful thinking but about a steadfast belief that, no matter what storms come our way, we will endure. It’s a gift that holds us up, even when life lets us down.

This kind of hope doesn’t deny the real difficulties and obstacles of life. It doesn’t ignore setbacks, heartbreaks, or failures. Instead, it allows us to face those challenges with greater faith instead of fear. Hope reminds us that we are part of something bigger than our current circumstances. It’s not dependent on whether we succeed or fail, but on the wisdom and perspective we acquire, and the strength and bravery to rise again.

As leaders, we hold the unique opportunity, profound responsibility, and great privilege to model and inspire hope—not just through our words, but through the authenticity of our actions and the way we live our lives. It’s not about offering toxic and false positivity or pretending everything will always work out perfectly. It’s about showing those around us that hope is a posture and belief we can choose, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.

Here are a few ways we can bring more hope into 2025:

• Lead with Courage: Show your teams that uncertainty doesn’t have to breed fear. Confidence in the present moment can guide us through what we cannot control. Honoring both the process and preparation is essential.

• Anchor in Values, Not Outcomes: Circumstances may change, but your core values can remain steady. Place your hope in what truly matters—character, integrity, and the connection of the team.

• Be a Beacon of Resilience: Hope isn’t about avoiding storms; it’s about weathering them. Share stories of perseverance and remind others that they, too, can overcome. Let those you lead see your humanity.

• Cultivate Hope in Others: Recognize when those around you need encouragement and a listening ear. Sometimes, offering someone the gift of hope is as simple as saying, “I believe in you.”

As we enter the New Year, let us remember: hope is not just something we wish for; it’s something we hold onto. It’s a gift that carries us through life’s toughest and darkest moments and reminds us of our incredible capacity to rise, to rise, and to rise again.

“Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.”

May this holiday season and the year ahead be infused with the unshakable power of hope—not only for what the future holds for those we lead but for the growth, transformation, and evolution we embrace within ourselves along the journey.

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