“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.” — Mark Twain
15 years ago, at a Burger King restaurant in Omaha, NE, I sat across the table from an important mentor in my life named Rudy. I had questions about my future. Specifically, I had doubts about a path I had chosen with my life. I needed some encouragement to continue.
After describing the emotions and fears I had been experiencing over the past several months, Rudy responded with a simple statement, “I think you can do it. In fact, there is no doubt in my mind that you can accomplish what you are seeking. I have complete confidence in you.”
15 years later, I still recall that specific conversation as one of the most influential moments in my life. Not because it solved my problems or eliminated the hard work ahead of me. But because it gave me the one resource needed to persevere: hope.
Hope is one of the greatest assets in the entire world. It is one of the greatest treasures we can ever find for ourselves. And it is one of the greatest gifts we can ever give to somebody else.
Hope provides us with motivation to persevere. It calls us to dream dreams of significance and influence. It begs us to work diligently with optimism and promise.
And as I discovered that Tuesday afternoon on 114th and Dodge, hope is often found in the relationships we have secured around us. After all, when hope in ourselves begins to diminish (as it will at times), we must look elsewhere. In those moments, we look towards those around us for confidence and hope.
Surround yourself with people who speak confidence in your life. Nurture relationships with optimistic people who have overcome trial and hardship. Remove people from your direct sphere of influence who discourage you, trample your creativity, or who are so self-absorbed they never help others. Instead, seek people who inspire and believe in you.
In turn, do the same for others. See the good. Believe in potential. And encourage daily.
Sow hope in the soul of everyone you meet. (tweet that)
Image: Aah-Yeah
Yolanda says
Thank you so much for your word, specially today that I was feeling so hopeless. Thank you very much!
Brenda says
Once when I was hopeless and mentally exhausted having left no stone unturned, devoid of any desire even for a sip of water to quench my parched lips, a nurse said to me…”let me hope for you”. Of all the therapy and books and special diets and exercises those five words are what saved me, and I don’t even know her name.
Colette says
I agree with this post. However, It is hard when close family members are the ones being negative to cut off.
Stephanie Lynn Stevens says
In my life, the momentary kindness of others has been more lifechanging than anything else. A hug, a word of encouragement, or a passing statement that expressed confidence in me–these are the things that has redirected my whole life. I don’t think it’s possible to overstate the power of love and encouragement in the lives of others. You’re so right: it spreads hope.
Joe says
Nice post! There was a period in my life when I was in great despair but I relied my hope in the faith I have in God and through prayers from the people in my sphere of influence, helped me overcome it. Hope anchors the soul.
Lisa says
Thank you for this post! Also, for the link to your post on significance; I will be sending that one to my adult son on his birthday.
Tony @ YouOnlyDoThisOnce says
Wonderful…and true. Hope and confidence are great things to instill in people. Thank you for this.
Artbybernadette says
Wonderful words. Thank you.
Daniel Aipa says
Awesome write up Joshua. I needed this. I need to get better at connecting with more people who speak more confidence in me. When I share my new ideas and goals there are times people tell me to ‘wait’ or ‘maybe not now’ or ‘what’s your whole plan?’ and such. It can get very discouraging, but I make it a point for myself to always be encouraging and positive for others. Aloha
Tiffany@RaisingLemons says
I just went to a conference about following your dreams – specifically for women. The speaker mentioned that one of the key points to realizing your dreams is to have someone that believes in you. My husband is that person for me. The Mark Twain quote at the beginning helped me understand why I have felt a need to remove a certain person from my inner circle. Thanks for the clarity.