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Making Hope Happen: Create the Future You Want for Yourself and Others
How do some people make good things happen and bounce back from setbacks? Why do they lead happier, healthier, more productive lives? It's because they have hope -- not because of luck, or intelligence, or money. So, what exactly is hope and how can you get it, too?
Using discoveries from the largest study of hopeful people ever conducted, world-renowned expert on the psychology of hope Shane J. Lopez, Ph.D., reveals that hope is not just an emotion but an essential life tool. Hope is also a leading indicator of success in relationships, academics, career, and business. With Making Hope Happen you can measure your level of hope and learn how to create and share it.
In this newest evolution of positive psychology, Dr. Lopez provides strategies for building a high-hope mind-set and shares uplifting stories of real people -- parents, educators, entrepreneurs, young and old people with health challenges, and civic leaders -- who create hope and who change their own lives as well as their schools, workplaces, and communities.
They include:
- The CEO who befriended a curious nine-year-old, bringing him into the company and transforming his attitude toward school and future goals.
- A young entrepreneur who worked to change laws that stood in his way, recruited friends to support his start-up, and rebuilt from scratch after a fire.
- The college president whose creative fundraising during the worst of the economic downturn kept her neediest seniors in school through graduation.
- The city council members who developed a visionary recovery plan only days after their community was flattened by a tornado.
- Two mothers and a principal who reversed decades of neglect and mismanagement to turn a failing school into a neighborhood magnet.
- A college student who is thriving after two heart transplants, and whose hopeful self-care has been key to her survival.
Making Hope Happen is for people who believe that the future can be better than the past or the present and who are looking for a way to make it so. The message is clear: Hope matters. Hope is a choice. Hope can be learned. Hope is contagious.
Using discoveries from the largest study of hopeful people ever conducted, world-renowned expert on the psychology of hope Shane J. Lopez, Ph.D., reveals that hope is not just an emotion but an essential life tool. Hope is also a leading indicator of success in relationships, academics, career, and business. With Making Hope Happen you can measure your level of hope and learn how to create and share it.
In this newest evolution of positive psychology, Dr. Lopez provides strategies for building a high-hope mind-set and shares uplifting stories of real people -- parents, educators, entrepreneurs, young and old people with health challenges, and civic leaders -- who create hope and who change their own lives as well as their schools, workplaces, and communities.
They include:
- The CEO who befriended a curious nine-year-old, bringing him into the company and transforming his attitude toward school and future goals.
- A young entrepreneur who worked to change laws that stood in his way, recruited friends to support his start-up, and rebuilt from scratch after a fire.
- The college president whose creative fundraising during the worst of the economic downturn kept her neediest seniors in school through graduation.
- The city council members who developed a visionary recovery plan only days after their community was flattened by a tornado.
- Two mothers and a principal who reversed decades of neglect and mismanagement to turn a failing school into a neighborhood magnet.
- A college student who is thriving after two heart transplants, and whose hopeful self-care has been key to her survival.
Making Hope Happen is for people who believe that the future can be better than the past or the present and who are looking for a way to make it so. The message is clear: Hope matters. Hope is a choice. Hope can be learned. Hope is contagious.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2013
79 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 12, 2014
The author argues that hope matters, hope is a choice, hope can be learned and hope can be shared with others. He presents information describing how high hope people have better academic performance, better workplace outcomes, more happiness, higher productivity and lower absenteeism.
While I think these messages are important, the book fell a bit flat for me. Stylistically, the book used the traditional facts mixed with stories. However, I found that the statistics were not explained and elaborated upon enough to be compelling. For instance, high hope kids have a 12% gain in academic performance. Okay, but how was that number derived? I wanted to know more about where the facts came from, so that I could really understand them and believe them. (Admittedly, this may just be the academic in me.) On the up-side, each chapter logically built on the next and it didn't feel repetitive (like many books do!).
I walked away with a number of positive outcomes. The goals-pathways-agency model is easy to understand and share. It will influence the questions I ask of my kids and my students. In particular, I see connections to work I'm doing with goal setting with our students, but also visioning. Clearly, how we think about the future is a key determinant in success.
Although I'm not freely recommending the book (except for other geeks like me!), I think the concepts are phenomenally important. The resources section of the book gave me a number of leads on future reading!
While I think these messages are important, the book fell a bit flat for me. Stylistically, the book used the traditional facts mixed with stories. However, I found that the statistics were not explained and elaborated upon enough to be compelling. For instance, high hope kids have a 12% gain in academic performance. Okay, but how was that number derived? I wanted to know more about where the facts came from, so that I could really understand them and believe them. (Admittedly, this may just be the academic in me.) On the up-side, each chapter logically built on the next and it didn't feel repetitive (like many books do!).
I walked away with a number of positive outcomes. The goals-pathways-agency model is easy to understand and share. It will influence the questions I ask of my kids and my students. In particular, I see connections to work I'm doing with goal setting with our students, but also visioning. Clearly, how we think about the future is a key determinant in success.
Although I'm not freely recommending the book (except for other geeks like me!), I think the concepts are phenomenally important. The resources section of the book gave me a number of leads on future reading!
June 5, 2013
Not only does the book mix theory and research it provides the reader with amazing tools that can be utilized to bring hope to the forefront of our daily lives!
Great for anyone working in the education field!
Great for anyone working in the education field!
November 30, 2013
Interesting, useful stuff if you are interested in mentoring kids and/or improving your own life.
Hope sounds like a fluffy topic, but there is some solid research here to consider.
Hope sounds like a fluffy topic, but there is some solid research here to consider.
November 9, 2017
I think because I’ve already read a lot of books on positive psychology, motivation and willpower, mindset, flow, goal setting, books by Brene Brown etc I didn’t really find any new ground in this book. I also found this one to not be as engaging as the others.
The research on hope seemed very wish washy compared to the research behind willpower or mindset or flow or grit, for example. This book actually references some of that research, but doesn’t add anything to it.
It has an extensive list of recommended reading and that includes books I believe to be more informative and inspiring than this one.
Also there was reference to the ‘sweet spot’ of a urinal... I find the phrase ‘sweet spot’ awkward enough without applying it to toilets. Actually, the tone and word choice was often often a bit too cheesy for me.
Most disturbingly, it did not make me hopeful. I think that was the greatest disappointment. As a person with serious mental illness, I struggle to see a happy (realistic) future for myself. I go to therapy with people who can’t even begin to see any future for themselves. I think it is the unpredictable nature of mental illness that dissuades us from having faith in our ability to achieve goals. The phrase ‘false hope’ comes up a lot, which I think just means ‘I’m now setting myself up for massive disappointment.’ And that’s even in relation to goals that healthy people might consider the most banal of daily activities - like getting dressed. In the end after many failures or false starts, we become despondent & get reminded to ‘take it easy’ on ourselves - don’t aim for anything, just try to make it through each moment. Not a lot of room for hope in that, especially when you’ve been failing at basic daily activity for over a decade.
There were a lot of examples of physically ill people, very poor people, and young people without support in this book, but no seriously mentally ill people that I could identify with. Incidentally, I know a lot of people who fall under those categories AND have mental illness, so I feel especially for them.
Funnily enough, I’m considered a very hopeful optimistic person - I’m always seeking out new information, trying new techniques, and actively engaging in treatment - but this book did not inspire me to any new course of action. I haven’t given up but there was nothing new to take from this. So if you’re a seasoned psychology sleuth, I believe that you can skip this one.
The research on hope seemed very wish washy compared to the research behind willpower or mindset or flow or grit, for example. This book actually references some of that research, but doesn’t add anything to it.
It has an extensive list of recommended reading and that includes books I believe to be more informative and inspiring than this one.
Also there was reference to the ‘sweet spot’ of a urinal... I find the phrase ‘sweet spot’ awkward enough without applying it to toilets. Actually, the tone and word choice was often often a bit too cheesy for me.
Most disturbingly, it did not make me hopeful. I think that was the greatest disappointment. As a person with serious mental illness, I struggle to see a happy (realistic) future for myself. I go to therapy with people who can’t even begin to see any future for themselves. I think it is the unpredictable nature of mental illness that dissuades us from having faith in our ability to achieve goals. The phrase ‘false hope’ comes up a lot, which I think just means ‘I’m now setting myself up for massive disappointment.’ And that’s even in relation to goals that healthy people might consider the most banal of daily activities - like getting dressed. In the end after many failures or false starts, we become despondent & get reminded to ‘take it easy’ on ourselves - don’t aim for anything, just try to make it through each moment. Not a lot of room for hope in that, especially when you’ve been failing at basic daily activity for over a decade.
There were a lot of examples of physically ill people, very poor people, and young people without support in this book, but no seriously mentally ill people that I could identify with. Incidentally, I know a lot of people who fall under those categories AND have mental illness, so I feel especially for them.
Funnily enough, I’m considered a very hopeful optimistic person - I’m always seeking out new information, trying new techniques, and actively engaging in treatment - but this book did not inspire me to any new course of action. I haven’t given up but there was nothing new to take from this. So if you’re a seasoned psychology sleuth, I believe that you can skip this one.
September 7, 2025
Don’t get me wrong – I fully agree that hope and optimism are powerful forces that enrich our lives. What I question, however, is the way Shane frames and argues their value throughout his book.
First, his reasoning centers primarily on higher income and organizational benefits. According to his research, individuals who score high on hope are far more likely to earn more money than those who score low. He then equates this higher income with greater success in life – essentially suggesting that the more money you earn, the more successful you are. As he puts it: “It is these goals – the good job and happy family – that help young people overcome the rigors of high school and college. These expectations, the foundations of a good life, are what draw us forward.” By this logic, people with higher hope scores supposedly have a greater chance of achieving success – defined narrowly as financial wealth. Shane further argues that high-hope individuals make better employees: they’re less absent, less sick, and more productive. Taken to its extreme, this would imply that organizations should only hire people with high hope scores – leaving others behind, excluded from opportunities, and at risk of poverty. I strongly believe life is about far more than just money. True success is not measured only in income but in purpose, meaning, relationships, well-being, happiness, and the ability to flourish and thrive. Every person deserves the chance to contribute and be valued, regardless of their hope score.
Second, Shane suggests that we should let our minds frequently wander into the future, as this supposedly boosts hope, leading to higher income, and thus to a better life. Yet, this view contradicts an equally rich body of research on well-being and happiness, much of which emphasizes mindfulness – the practice of being present in the here and now. Mindfulness cautions us against excessive dwelling in the past or future, as it often breeds stress and unhappiness. For me, the path forward lies in balance. Yes, cultivating hope is beneficial – it can energize us, inspire us, and help us persevere. But happiness and well-being don’t require us to become millionaires, nor do they depend on future fantasies. They grow from living with meaning, nurturing authentic connections, and embracing the present moment while still holding an optimistic outlook toward what lies ahead.
First, his reasoning centers primarily on higher income and organizational benefits. According to his research, individuals who score high on hope are far more likely to earn more money than those who score low. He then equates this higher income with greater success in life – essentially suggesting that the more money you earn, the more successful you are. As he puts it: “It is these goals – the good job and happy family – that help young people overcome the rigors of high school and college. These expectations, the foundations of a good life, are what draw us forward.” By this logic, people with higher hope scores supposedly have a greater chance of achieving success – defined narrowly as financial wealth. Shane further argues that high-hope individuals make better employees: they’re less absent, less sick, and more productive. Taken to its extreme, this would imply that organizations should only hire people with high hope scores – leaving others behind, excluded from opportunities, and at risk of poverty. I strongly believe life is about far more than just money. True success is not measured only in income but in purpose, meaning, relationships, well-being, happiness, and the ability to flourish and thrive. Every person deserves the chance to contribute and be valued, regardless of their hope score.
Second, Shane suggests that we should let our minds frequently wander into the future, as this supposedly boosts hope, leading to higher income, and thus to a better life. Yet, this view contradicts an equally rich body of research on well-being and happiness, much of which emphasizes mindfulness – the practice of being present in the here and now. Mindfulness cautions us against excessive dwelling in the past or future, as it often breeds stress and unhappiness. For me, the path forward lies in balance. Yes, cultivating hope is beneficial – it can energize us, inspire us, and help us persevere. But happiness and well-being don’t require us to become millionaires, nor do they depend on future fantasies. They grow from living with meaning, nurturing authentic connections, and embracing the present moment while still holding an optimistic outlook toward what lies ahead.
April 2, 2018
Good book about hope and what it really is and how to use the concept. Here are a few takeaways:
Hope matters. Hope is a choice. Hope can be learned. Hope can be shared with others. Hope is active, not passive like wishful thinking. You need to be thinking of the future always. There are 4 core beliefs: The future will be better; I have the power to make it so; There are many paths to my goals; and, None of them are free of obstacles.
Hope is a key driver of success and happiness. Show up. The author provides lots of examples in the schools and at work. Hope increases productivity. Hope is a symptom of happiness. Investing in the future pays off today. Hopeful people take action. Hope requires courage.
Not all smart people are hopeful. Hope costs nothing. Hope attracts money and investment. Need a growth mindset. You can change and develop, and learn. Create goals. Picture yourself in the future.
Triggering action examples were great. Fly in the urinal was a cue. Make when/where plans.
Lead with hope. Teach hope to others. The author has researched hope for over 20 years and is an expert on the issue. He provides wonderful examples of how his concepts can work. Be positive and a hopeful role model for others.
Hope matters. Hope is a choice. Hope can be learned. Hope can be shared with others. Hope is active, not passive like wishful thinking. You need to be thinking of the future always. There are 4 core beliefs: The future will be better; I have the power to make it so; There are many paths to my goals; and, None of them are free of obstacles.
Hope is a key driver of success and happiness. Show up. The author provides lots of examples in the schools and at work. Hope increases productivity. Hope is a symptom of happiness. Investing in the future pays off today. Hopeful people take action. Hope requires courage.
Not all smart people are hopeful. Hope costs nothing. Hope attracts money and investment. Need a growth mindset. You can change and develop, and learn. Create goals. Picture yourself in the future.
Triggering action examples were great. Fly in the urinal was a cue. Make when/where plans.
Lead with hope. Teach hope to others. The author has researched hope for over 20 years and is an expert on the issue. He provides wonderful examples of how his concepts can work. Be positive and a hopeful role model for others.
January 1, 2023
Honestly, I don’t doubt that hope is powerful and that there is research that shows that; however, this book lacked the presentation of rigorous research. The author listed anecdote after anecdote in every chapter, while also sharing his opinion. Granted, his opinion as an expert researcher should be considered reputable. Perhaps this is enough for some, but I was hoping to actually dig into some research studies. Instead, it felt like I was reading an Oprah magazine. I guess this book just wasn’t for me. Would’ve abandoned it if it wasn’t for my reading goal.
June 26, 2020
I was hoping to be more inspired by this book, and some of the research and examples presented were of course interesting, but I just didn't love it. It took me a long time to get through this one, simply because I wasn't drawn to read it as much as other self-improvement books I've more thoroughly enjoyed. Still, there were some good lessons and advice to take away, and I do appreciate the role hope plays in success....
October 18, 2023
This book is an inspiring look at the nuts and bolts of cultivating hope.
“Through my work with John, I realized that how we think about the future—how we hope—determines how well we live our lives. John’s transformations, from thriving to suffering and back to thriving, were simple and compelling. When he had clear hopes for the future, his life was good. When John had a sudden break with the future, he felt his life was not worth living. As John reconnected to a meaningful future, his life became good again, and he was excited about it. And his health mysteriously stabilized.
Since the day I have met John, I have studied hope, both in my clinical work and in my research. Every client that followed John benefited from what he taught me—that our relationship with the future determines how well we live today. I asked my clients new and different questions, starting with ‘How hopeful are you about your future?’ I changed the way I opened my first session with them. ‘How can I help you today?’ became ‘If therapy is successful now, what will your life look like in five years?’ I didn’t see clients as broken in the way I once had; I wasn’t trying to fix them anymore. I was doing everything I could to help them be better students, partners, or patients so that they could realize bigger goals in their lives.”
~ Shane J. Lopez Ph.D. from Making Hope Happen
Hope.
Science says: It’s huge.
And, Shane Lopez is THE leading researcher studying the science of hope.
In this great book, he walks us through the inspiring power of hope and how we can cultivate it for ourselves and others in our lives. (Get the book here.)
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. What Is Hope? vs. Fantasizing vs. dwelling.
2. Here to There - Goals + agency + pathways.
3. Futurecasting - How awesome is your life in 5 years?
4. What Are Your Sirens? - Odysseus contracts.
5. When/Where Plans - How are yours?
6. Plan A to Z - Pathways + optionality = wise.
7. Leadership - Got Hope? --> 1% vs. 69%.
I’ve summarized those Big Ideas in a video review that you can watch here.
I’ve also added Making Hope Happen by Shane J. Lopez, PhD to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at heroic.us.
“Through my work with John, I realized that how we think about the future—how we hope—determines how well we live our lives. John’s transformations, from thriving to suffering and back to thriving, were simple and compelling. When he had clear hopes for the future, his life was good. When John had a sudden break with the future, he felt his life was not worth living. As John reconnected to a meaningful future, his life became good again, and he was excited about it. And his health mysteriously stabilized.
Since the day I have met John, I have studied hope, both in my clinical work and in my research. Every client that followed John benefited from what he taught me—that our relationship with the future determines how well we live today. I asked my clients new and different questions, starting with ‘How hopeful are you about your future?’ I changed the way I opened my first session with them. ‘How can I help you today?’ became ‘If therapy is successful now, what will your life look like in five years?’ I didn’t see clients as broken in the way I once had; I wasn’t trying to fix them anymore. I was doing everything I could to help them be better students, partners, or patients so that they could realize bigger goals in their lives.”
~ Shane J. Lopez Ph.D. from Making Hope Happen
Hope.
Science says: It’s huge.
And, Shane Lopez is THE leading researcher studying the science of hope.
In this great book, he walks us through the inspiring power of hope and how we can cultivate it for ourselves and others in our lives. (Get the book here.)
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. What Is Hope? vs. Fantasizing vs. dwelling.
2. Here to There - Goals + agency + pathways.
3. Futurecasting - How awesome is your life in 5 years?
4. What Are Your Sirens? - Odysseus contracts.
5. When/Where Plans - How are yours?
6. Plan A to Z - Pathways + optionality = wise.
7. Leadership - Got Hope? --> 1% vs. 69%.
I’ve summarized those Big Ideas in a video review that you can watch here.
I’ve also added Making Hope Happen by Shane J. Lopez, PhD to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at heroic.us.
February 3, 2022
A true leader can project an attractive and motivating vision of the future. People feed on hope and a leader, through his/her existence, can make those around him/her feel the energy of a desired common future. In this way, their vision becomes each person’s subjective reality, giving meaning to each of their lives in the realization of a given objective.
Inspiring book!
Inspiring book!
May 15, 2019
Very helpful book for building hope: research-based, filled with engaging stories and an encouraging narrative.
October 7, 2020
Fantastic book about futures thinking.
March 28, 2022
Looking for something different - may be good for others
November 26, 2023
Don't waste your time. Google what happened to the author.
February 22, 2025
Anchored to research, this application-oriented guide defines hope and its components, offering accompanying recommendations and action steps for increasing personal hope and/or hope in others.
September 25, 2013
I take away from this book three important messages. 1. Hope is the key driver for a successful life. In other words, our foresight motivates our present action. 2. Hope encompasses three integral parts: goals, agency and pathways. 3. Great people lead by hope.
As Lopez points out, hope is one of the positive emotions that Barbara Frederickson discusses in her “broaden-and-build” theory. Like other positive emotions, hope helps to broaden “attention and cognition.” So, we can learn better, are more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems and move ourselves towards the goals. (p. 114)
Lopez has an interesting discussion about keeping the balance between “fantasizing” and “dwelling.” Differing from wish or wishful thinking, valid hope requires a balance between the mind and the heart. It’s a reality checking process; in his words, “involves an unvarnished assessment of all of life’s limits (p. 38).”
He suggests a constructive approach towards our past. In his word, “In the sweet spot of hope we have a healthy respect for the past and a passion for the future. We use the lessons (many derived from failures) and successes of the past to refine our goals, preview obstacles, and ward off hope killers (p. 117).” While focusing on history or track records, we should also take into account our potential and be willing to take the “right-size” risks.
I especially like the idea how Lopez incorporates Carol Dwrek’s concept of “growth mindset” into his discussion. Being hopeful is something we can learn and nurture in children by asking a questions like, “what are your hopes and dreams(p. 103)?” And, help them to find what matters to them, and furthermore helps them to map out pathways and positive action steps.
My favorite part is how creating goals should be built on our strengths and should be something excites us. In other words, we need to have salient goals. The question he raises is “Have you ever washed a rental car?” Of course not! Great people know the importance of keeping up the enthusiasm while leading their groups towards goals.
It’s quit touching when Lopez discusses the concept of regoaling (p. 185). The case he gives is a doctor who helps his patients’ families to face the treatment failure on their child and to create a new goal which focuses on “helping their child die peacefully.”
As Lopez points out, hope is one of the positive emotions that Barbara Frederickson discusses in her “broaden-and-build” theory. Like other positive emotions, hope helps to broaden “attention and cognition.” So, we can learn better, are more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems and move ourselves towards the goals. (p. 114)
Lopez has an interesting discussion about keeping the balance between “fantasizing” and “dwelling.” Differing from wish or wishful thinking, valid hope requires a balance between the mind and the heart. It’s a reality checking process; in his words, “involves an unvarnished assessment of all of life’s limits (p. 38).”
He suggests a constructive approach towards our past. In his word, “In the sweet spot of hope we have a healthy respect for the past and a passion for the future. We use the lessons (many derived from failures) and successes of the past to refine our goals, preview obstacles, and ward off hope killers (p. 117).” While focusing on history or track records, we should also take into account our potential and be willing to take the “right-size” risks.
I especially like the idea how Lopez incorporates Carol Dwrek’s concept of “growth mindset” into his discussion. Being hopeful is something we can learn and nurture in children by asking a questions like, “what are your hopes and dreams(p. 103)?” And, help them to find what matters to them, and furthermore helps them to map out pathways and positive action steps.
My favorite part is how creating goals should be built on our strengths and should be something excites us. In other words, we need to have salient goals. The question he raises is “Have you ever washed a rental car?” Of course not! Great people know the importance of keeping up the enthusiasm while leading their groups towards goals.
It’s quit touching when Lopez discusses the concept of regoaling (p. 185). The case he gives is a doctor who helps his patients’ families to face the treatment failure on their child and to create a new goal which focuses on “helping their child die peacefully.”
November 27, 2013
"Hope...pass it on." "...our relationship with the future determines how well we live today." I really liked the messages (based on research!) from Shane Lopez's book. "...while only half the population measures high in hope, hope can be learned, and the hopeful among us play a powerful role in spreading hope to others."
Authors key message:
Hope matters.
Hope is a choice.
Hope can be learned.
Hope can be shared with others.
The future will be better than the present.
I have the power to make it so.
Hopeful people believe:
There are many paths to my goals.
None of them is free of obstacles.
Read the book to find out about "nexting", more about "Plan B'ing", making "Where/When" plans and "futurecasting."
"When we take on right-risk opportunities—those that we have the requisite psychological resources to manage—we keep moving futureward."
"If we have a vision and plan for the future, we can’t help but be pulled forward by life, even when our present betrays us. We start to create a narrative about a future self that competes with the old stories about ourselves. As we fill in more details and take small steps in our future direction, our energy is freed up. When we’re excited about “what’s next,” we invest more in our daily life, and we can see beyond current challenges."
"You boost your energy when you state goals positively. In other words, a goal should add to your life rather than subtract from it. “I want to fight less with my coworker” is clear enough, but its negative focus makes it difficult to find a workable pathway. You’re looking for positive behaviors that can help change your situation. “I want to get along better with my coworker” is an additive goal. What do people who get along do? They spend time discovering common interests. They say hello and compliment good work. They laugh at the latest office absurdity. These are some ideas you can act on."
Authors key message:
Hope matters.
Hope is a choice.
Hope can be learned.
Hope can be shared with others.
The future will be better than the present.
I have the power to make it so.
Hopeful people believe:
There are many paths to my goals.
None of them is free of obstacles.
Read the book to find out about "nexting", more about "Plan B'ing", making "Where/When" plans and "futurecasting."
"When we take on right-risk opportunities—those that we have the requisite psychological resources to manage—we keep moving futureward."
"If we have a vision and plan for the future, we can’t help but be pulled forward by life, even when our present betrays us. We start to create a narrative about a future self that competes with the old stories about ourselves. As we fill in more details and take small steps in our future direction, our energy is freed up. When we’re excited about “what’s next,” we invest more in our daily life, and we can see beyond current challenges."
"You boost your energy when you state goals positively. In other words, a goal should add to your life rather than subtract from it. “I want to fight less with my coworker” is clear enough, but its negative focus makes it difficult to find a workable pathway. You’re looking for positive behaviors that can help change your situation. “I want to get along better with my coworker” is an additive goal. What do people who get along do? They spend time discovering common interests. They say hello and compliment good work. They laugh at the latest office absurdity. These are some ideas you can act on."
March 24, 2013
An impressive body of theory and research backs up but doesn't overwhelm a core message of pratical change in this book. Dr. Lopez manages to explain the very real science and thought behind his core message that hope matters. This keeps the book from drifting into the haze of vague, fell good self help that the title could lead you to expect.
I was impressed by the ideas and stories of hope in action shared by the author, but even more so by the pratical , unromantic explantions of the steps to actually creating, using and sharing hope. Overall an excellent book of vaule to anyone that is willing to do a little thinking and working to improve themselves, their community and their world.
I was impressed by the ideas and stories of hope in action shared by the author, but even more so by the pratical , unromantic explantions of the steps to actually creating, using and sharing hope. Overall an excellent book of vaule to anyone that is willing to do a little thinking and working to improve themselves, their community and their world.
April 16, 2013
Excellent book incorporating both theory and empirical evidence on hope. Lopez does an amazing job of weaving in and out reporting data and theory while maintaining an engaging writing style. For the professional psychologist, coach, educator there are specific behavioral interventions highlighted which makes this book a valuable resource. For a lay reader this book is highly readable and will offer a view of hope that is both realistic and uplifting.
March 17, 2015
Shane Lopez is one of the most dynamic speakers I've ever seen, and his book is engaging in the same way as his presentations. Backed by solid Gallup research, Dr. Lopez provides a road map for improving your future and provides moving stories of folks who have overcome incredible obstacles for a better future. If you're a parent, you really need to read this.
December 15, 2014
I borrowed this book from my son. He was assigned to read it for one of his classes. I really liked it. He relates the experiences of other people to illustrate his ideas. He gives a lot of statistics to back up his research. It left me wanting more, or perhaps more clarification. Nevertheless I learned new things and I love that.
July 10, 2014
I gave this 3 stars because I felt my attention wandering at the end. I didn't think all the examples were necessary or reinforced the points the author was trying to make. Overall, I thought the book had an interesting take on hoping versus wishing and the strength that hope can have when you are realistic about what it takes to improve your life.
October 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this book possibly because I had just met and heard Shane Lopez speak on this topic. He is extremely knowledgeable and speaks with great passion. Lots of great information for teachers and parents a lit.
December 30, 2013
Much of what you read in Lopez's book makes common sense but somehow it is more compelling when it backed up by science. There are some very practical tips about how to build hope and what this book reveals that hope is essential for overcoming challenges and adversity.
May 4, 2013
Very readable and inspiring!
November 4, 2013
Powerful and simple idea about the importance of hope and how to foster more of it in our own lives and the lives of others. Lots of good data and good story telling.
July 22, 2014
Horrible.
July 29, 2016
It was okay. I didn't find it nearly as impressive as The Psychology of Hope, but it was a much faster read.
Want to read
April 30, 2017Rest in Peace, Dr. Shane Lopez (April 4, 1970 - July 23, 2016).
Read
July 9, 2017No rating since I didn't finish it. The content was too dry and I found that research mixed with real life stories was too much going on for me. When I picked up this book back in 2013, I'm sure something made me reach for it. But I'm not too inclined to go back to it anymore.
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