Hope – as a Strategy

Hope – as a Strategy.

Doing some reading last night and came across this Mark Manson definition of HOPE … the belief in a better future that is supported by three pillars:  feeling in control of your life, believing you have values worth working toward, and being part of a community that shares those values.

As we close out Q3, focus on Q4 and look forward to the new year – and new/updated strategies – this definition really resonated with me … on a few fronts:

1.      Believing in a better future. This is absolutely foundational for every aspect of our health and well-being. Without this belief system, few things are possible, including moving forward. We don’t have to be delusional, but we do need to be positive. Surround yourself with positive, open-minded, action-oriented team members who are pushing and pulling the cart forward … that is a train bound for somewhere good!

2.      Control what you can. There’s a lot of things out of our control, more than we probably care to admit. But there’s a lot of things we can put our hands and minds on. Execute those tactics! Be accountable. Getting things done is a force multiplier.

3.      Core values. You’ve got to make these real and meaningful. What are the 3 to 5 values that are central to your company’s mojo? How do these separate you and make you different? Set high expectations here and live them. This is the glue that can hold your culture together.

4.      Community/Team. There are few things that come close to being on a great team. Work is often the only community people have. Make it a good one.

Good strategy paints the future. Executing it puts us in control. It outlines what we are all working toward, and ultimately brings us together.