Having High Hopes – The Alternative of Fear
In Monday’s New York Times there was an article which basically stated that nothing 
was working, specifically the retraining and re-hiring of the nations workforce and that having hope might turn out to be a wasted gesture. While there may be a ton of truth in this description of the state of the economy, however it is nonsensical to suggest that we are helpless or should abandon hope. Times are tough, but being positive will get us further in the direction we need to go vs. living in a state of fear. People who are afraid freeze or look to escape, sometimes in the direction that is most dangerous. Fear produces panic and helplessness.
Having hope is confused with waiting for “someone to save us”, but hope could also be a stand for “Positivity” (book by Barbara Frederickson Ph.D.) . Being Positive give you flexibility and options. Being Positive give you Power.
There is no power in fear.
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Dear Joel:
I really enjoyed this piece. Thank you for taking the time to write and share it.
This is timely for me. I was working as a full-time, salaried employee with an organization that, essentially, exists as a joint venture partnership between five school districts. The deal is that through the five districts paying member fees, they get leadership training, coaching, consulting, and facilitation at a drastically reduced cost than would be if they “went it on their own.” Because state budgets are slim (zero dollars for professional development & zero dollars for substitutes), districts aren’t sure they can be–they are looking for ways.
So, I am now on contract with carryover funds for three months, and we are all (my colleagues, school superintendents, and me) waiting in a spirit of hope and trust to see what unfolds in the midst of uncertainty. We are all being proactive and innovative in the process, and that is inspiring. We are being called out of our typical ways of going about business, being called to think differently, and, thus, growing who we are.
In the meantime, I am doing a formal launch of my own business. I notice that I have fears, but I’m not giving weight to them. Instead, I’m continuing to walk in faith, hope, and trust. Your article is another layer of support.
Warmly,
Dawnelle