Hope Mapping

“He who has a Why to live for can bear almost any How.” — Nietzsche

Last week I introduced you to the HERO within.
The first element of our inner HERO is hope. Hope can be defined as the ability to plan pathways that lead us toward our goals. It is a sense of success generated by goal orientated energy which is cultivated from two elements.
The first element is way power which is fueled by the determination and ability to identify the way toward success. The second element is known as will power and is the ability to generate a plan to successfully achieve our goals.

It could be said that where there is a way, there is a will to achieve.

Hope requires action with the belief that the future will be better. Visions of the future pull us forward and keep us motivated and moving toward our goals.

It is important to understand what is wanted in relation to our hopes and to develop the pathways to get there. The pathways identify how the goal will be realized and what it will look like. This is important for motivation and engagement. As we take these pathways, we identify obstacles and consider ways to overcome them.

A useful tool for the toolkit is a Hope Map.
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Place a piece of paper in front of you horizontally. Then fold it into three sections and open it up once more. In the first column write “Pathways”, in the Second column write “Obstacles”, in the third column write “Goals”.
 
Step 1: Goal Setting
In the Goals column, determine a clear goal/s that you would like to achieve (No more than 3.)
 
Step 2: Action Planning
In the Pathways column (first column of the Hope Map), write down several actions, or steps you will take to pursue the goal.
 
Step 3: Identifying Obstacles
 In the Obstacles column (second column of the Hope Map), identify at least one obstacle that might block each of the paths you have described.
 
Step 4: Overcoming Obstacles
Review your existing pathways and identify any obstacles that may appear and consider strategies to overcome the obstacle identified.
This may include developing new pathways altogether or building additional steps. Repeat this process for any new pathways identified.
 
Step 5: Ideas for Maintaining Motivation
Write down ideas for maintaining your energy and motivation while you move toward your goal. Consider situations and obstacles that are likely to sap your willpower and be sure to come up with ideas for countering those challenges.

Determine which pathway you will commence first, with the understanding that you have a variety of strategies to pursue towards your identified goal.
 
Step 6: Imagine
Finally, imagine what pursuing your goal will look like. To create energy toward achieving your goal. Mentally rehearse all the steps you need to take to get there.
 
Until next time.
Wishing you wellbeing