H.O.P.E

HOPE

Another meaning to one of the most overused words in the world

When I did a Google Search of the word “hope”, I got 2.7 Billion hits in 0.64 seconds - I’d say that’s an indication that it’s a popular word and likely one of the most overused words in the world today.  The dictionary defines hope (a noun) as a “feeling of expectation and desire for a certain this to happen” — especially focused on good things! We all need hope, and we all need good things to happen in our lives. 

One of my favorite quotes is by Christopher Reeve, who said, “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible,” and it’s so true. Hope is a feeling, an emotion, momentum that changes our mindset and helps keep us focused in the right direction. And as Reeve’s said — once we choose it, anything is possible. 

But in the current situation it can be hard to have hope, especially if you are one of the many people that are still in quarantine, still adjusting to life during a pandemic or have recently lost your job. So, here’s a new perspective and meaning to the word hope to help you see how hope can not only benefit you, but benefit others. 

So, let’s change Hope to H.O.P.E and shift the focus to help one person everyday. Yes, I made it an acronym — so all of your furniture peeps should love it and remember it, just add it to your ever-growing list of acronyms. 

Think about the brevity of that implication for just a minute. Who can you provide hope to today by helping one person? We all have a lot we can give and there are so many ways that we can help each other — we just need to do it, without thinking about it and without asking for anything in return. 

Over the past 60 days, I’ve helped dozens of people by providing over 80 hours of free coaching  — without asking for anything; no pitch, no offer, no nothing; just helping them through their current situation. I built an entire new webpage to help people who are looking for a new career and removed all of the gateways — all the info is out there and it’s free, no email address required. 

On a more personal level, I answered a late night call from a friend who wanted me to review her resume before she submitted it for a job she was really interested in. I connected a customer with a colleague that led to them working together and doing some really cool stuff — and this morning, before I started writing this column, I did some quick research and sent it to a complete stranger who reached out to me for help. 

I’m sure you might be thinking, “Well, good for you and stop bragging.” The thing is, I’m not sharing this to brag — I’m sharing it to show you what’s possible. I’m using my experience, skills, talents, and gifts to the best of my ability. What do you have that you can share with others that will help them? What impact can you make? Remember, it takes one small action to create a ripple effect. 

Recently, I’ve noticed this trend going around LinkedIn. People are copying and pasting this message: 

“If you’ve recently been laid off, and we’ve worked together in the past, please get in touch and let me know how I can help you. Can I put you in touch with a contact at an agency or company? Can I write a LinkedIN recommendation for you? Do you want me to send someone an email to put in a good word? Please let me know if there’s anything I can do! Note: I saw a colleague post this and want to multiply this energy”

While I like the intent of this message — to help people — I don’t like how it’s being used, as a broadcast post, that really only makes the person posting the message feel good about themselves. “Hey, look what I did, I copied and pasted something to show how I’m supporting others.”  However, if you posted this, I’ll give you credit for at least trying — but if you really want to help someone that has been displaced and looking for work, reach out to them directly.  

LinkedIn has this really cool feature, called Messaging — use it.  It’s much more effective and if you really want to help, it will be easy for you. Engage in a conversation, connect with others, see how you might really be able to help them — you never know, they just might be able to help you too. It all starts with a conversation. 

Think about it for a minute — what would the world look like if every day, everyone of us helped one person. If this really happened, there would be a lot less stress, anxiety, and depression — there would be a lot more kindness, happiness, and joy. Who wouldn’t want to thrive in that world? 

Let’s start spreading more hope in the world by providing H.O.P.E to those that need it the most.  The next time someone reaches out and ask for help — help them. Use your gifts to make a positive impact in someone's life — they’re asking for a reason, and you’ll never know what you can do for them until you engage in the conversation! And remember, it’s our obligation and responsibility to talk about what we do, so that people that need our help can find us. Every day that you don’t talk about it and share what you do is another day that the right people can’t find you. 

And I’ll continue my support by saying — if I can help you, please contact me! My email address is [email protected] 

I’d like to give a big shout out to Jasmine Star for the inspiration to write this week's column, which came from her podcast, the Jasmine Star Show and an episode that was an interview with Jen Gottlieb.  Keep doing great things Jasmine, you’re making an impact!