Hopeless

Do you agree or disagree with this statement: the future often seems hopeless.

Recently, Twitter, the great psychological research group, did a survey where they asked that prompt to the twitter-verse. They asked several more questions all along the lines of hope for the future and current happiness. But, of course, they also added the wrinkle of political affiliation to it. The results were fascinating: self-reported Democrats tended to respond with a negative and hopeless answer nearly 40% of the time, compared to Republicans who responded in like manner just below 20% of the time.

Why so blue, Blue?

Why do people tend to be hopeless? Is it just a cynical answer, bad day, or do people really think and feel that way? I say, the feeling of hopelessness is very uncomfortable and makes life quite dreary. So why be like that? If there is nothing I can do to change the future, aka being hopeless, why not decide to be hopeful and die with a smile on my face? At least I'll enjoy myself during my short-lived consciousness.

Hopelessness, often synonymous with pessimism, is a state of mind that can trap us in a cycle of negativity and despair. Some people tend to choose hopelessness because of various psychological reasons that influence their perception of life and the world around them.

Psychologists have proven what most of us know (but sometimes forget): past experiences play a significant role in shaping our outlook on life. Traumatic events, repeated failures, or disappointments can lead us to expect the worst from future situations. This can foster a pessimistic mindset. When hope is repeatedly dashed, we may resort to hopelessness as a defense mechanism to shield ourselves from potential emotional pain.

Additionally, cognitive biases reinforce pessimistic tendencies. Confirmation bias, for instance, causes us to seek out information that aligns with our negative beliefs, further solidifying the pessimistic views. Catastrophizing, another cognitive distortion, magnifies minor setbacks, making them seem insurmountable and fuels feelings of hopelessness.

External influences also impact our inclination towards pessimism. If you grew up in an environment where hopelessness was prevalent, such as experiencing chronic poverty or exposure to ongoing conflicts, it can be challenging to envision a better future. Also, negative social comparisons, where we constantly compare ourselves to seemingly more successful or happier people, can exacerbate our feelings of hopelessness.

Choosing hopelessness can become a habitual response to life's challenges. When we constantly expect the worst, we may avoid taking risks or trying new things, fearing failure or disappointment. This self-perpetuating cycle further entrenches pessimistic beliefs, making it difficult to break free from the shackles of hopelessness.

Are you happy? Not sure? If you walked around with your phone in selfie-mode all day, would your face exude happiness and hopefulness? Or would it be somewhere between angry, disinterested and hopeless? If you could take inventory during the day of how you feel (besides when eating), would your body report feeling unhappy or content? Hopelessness and pessimism produce misery. If you find yourself more hopeless than hopeful, give it up. There is no hope for you. I'm done with trying to change your mind.

Just kidding!!

To overcome pessimism… let's stop right there. It is not a hopeless endeavor. You CAN become hopeful and optimistic. You don't have to become a happy-go-lucky weirdo making lemons out of everyone else's lemonade, but you CAN start being less pessimistic. Recognize and challenge those negative thought patterns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective approach to address pessimism by altering these thought patterns and encouraging a more positive and hopeful outlook. No time for therapy? Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment can also help shift focus away from pessimism and towards a more optimistic mindset. Maybe seeking out experiences that directly oppose the experiences that produced your negative tendencies.

The greatest experience of all is a faith experience with Jesus Christ. Christianity is a life changing relationship and message that encourages followers to trust in God's plan. It is constant hope, even in times of adversity. It is not a fairytale. It is meaning, purpose, and power to change your life. It produces hope for the future because you learn you can trust God's character and ability for future events. This is a choice. Everyday.

Hopelessness, also known as pessimism, is a mindset that some of us choose due to psychological reasons influenced by past experiences, cognitive biases, and external factors. Breaking free from pessimism requires conscious efforts to challenge negative thoughts and embrace a more positive outlook on life. By choosing hope over hopelessness, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, resilience, and personal growth. Embracing faith, every day and in every situation. This allows God to do what only He can do, and also produces peace and contentment inside you.

So, sort of like last week, smile at someone today. They may ask you why, and you can share your hope with that unhappy Democrat (or Republican). They may call the cops. But at least you'll be happy.

I hope you have a great day.