• Optimistic about life’s realities 
• Takes personal ownership of the good and sees it as perpetually possible 
• Sees the bad as transient and short-term 
• Enthusiastic about the future  
• Eager to contribute to a better tomorrow 
• Willing to make plans and set goals

• Underuse: Negativism
• Overuse: Pollyana-ism

Key Research:

• Rank order of Hope/Optimism in populations from:
  • US : 10;
  • European:  16
  • Asia: 9
  • Latin America: 10
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: 9
  • Middle east: 14
• In addition to replication of the connection between hope, gratitude, love, zest, and curiosity with life satisfaction, the strengths that were the best predictors of future life satisfaction were hope and spirituality (Proyer et al., 2011).
• Among youth, the character strengths most related to life satisfaction are love, gratitude, hope, and zest; very young children (ages 3-9) described by their parents as happy are also noted as showing love, hope, and zest (Park & Peterson, 2009b).
• The character strengths most associated with the meaning route to happiness are religiousness, gratitude, hope, zest, and curiosity (Peterson et al., 2007).
• The character strengths most associated with the engagement route to happiness are zest, curiosity, hope, perseverance, and perspective (Peterson et al., 2007).
• The character strengths most associated with the pleasure route to happiness are humor, zest, hope, social intelligence, and love (Peterson et al., 2007).

1. List all the bad things that happened to you in the previous day. Then find at least two positive aspects for each.
2. Visualize where and what you want to be after one, five and ten years. Sketch a pathway that you can follow to get there. Include manageable steps and ways to chart your progress.
3. Record your negative and positive thought patterns and notice how they affect your future performance. Experiment with making your thoughts more positive and see if your performance improves.
4. Read about someone who succeeded despite difficulties and setbacks. Look for similar obstacles that both of you faced.

Psychological Impacts of Hope/Optimism

1. Hope is linked to increased resilience: Research has shown that individuals who possess hope tend to be more resilient and better able to cope with adversity (Snyder et al., 1991).
2. Hope is associated with increased positive emotions: Studies have found that individuals who practice hope tend to experience increased positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and contentment (Seligman et al., 2005).
3. Hope is linked to reduced depression: Research has shown that hope is negatively correlated with depression, as it provides individuals with a sense of purpose and direction (Kashdan & Ciarrochi, 2013).
4. Hope is a key component of emotional intelligence: Hope is considered a key component of emotional intelligence, as it involves recognizing and managing one’s emotions, particularly positive emotions such as optimism and enthusiasm (Goleman, 1995).
5. Hope is developed through social learning: Hope is developed through social learning, particularly through observing and imitating others who exhibit hopeful behavior (Bandura, 1977).
6. Hope is linked to increased self-esteem: Research has shown that individuals who practice hope tend to have higher self-esteem and a more positive self-image (Tangney et al., 2007).
7. Hope is a key factor in personal growth: Hope is critical for personal growth, as it allows individuals to set goals and work towards achieving them (Toussaint et al., 2015).
8. Hope is associated with increased creativity: Studies have found that individuals who practice hope tend to be more creative and innovative, as they are more likely to take risks and explore new ideas (Amabile, 1988).
9. Hope is linked to reduced anxiety: Research has shown that hope is negatively correlated with anxiety, as it provides individuals with a sense of control and direction (Kashdan & Ciarrochi, 2013).
10. Hope is a key component of moral character: Hope is considered a key component of moral character, along with other character strengths such as compassion, fairness, and responsibility (VIA Institute, 2015).

• Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin E. P. Seligman
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
• Hope and Other Superpowers: A Life-Affirming, Love-Defending, Butt-Kicking, World-Saving Manifesto by John Pavlovitz 
• Making Hope Happen: Create the Future You Want for Yourself and Others
  by Shane J. Lopez Ph.D. Written by a leading researcher on hope, this book provides practical strategies for cultivating hope and using it to achieve personal and professional goals.
• “The Anatomy of Hope: How People Prevail in the Face of Illness” by Jerome Groopman This book explores the role of hope in the context of medical conditions and how it can contribute to resilience and better outcomes.”Hope in the Age of Anxiety” by Anthony Scioli and Henry Biller This book examines the concept of hope from a psychological perspective and offers strategies for developing and sustaining hope in the face of challenges and adversity.
• “The Hope Circuit: A Psychologist’s Journey from Helplessness to Optimism” by Martin E.P. Seligman Written by a renowned psychologist, this book discusses the concept of learned helplessness and how developing a hopeful mindset can lead to greater well-being and personal growth.
• “The Power of Hope: Human Resilience and the Power of Hope” by Viktor E. Frankl: This book explores the psychological and philosophical aspects of hope, particularly in the context of adversity and suffering. It discusses how hope can be a powerful force in overcoming challenges and finding meaning in life[Not included in the search results].

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