There’s nothing as certain as uncertainty. No one escapes it. Whether you’re in a slump, facing a business downturn, or simply feeling stuck in life, uncertainty can shake your confidence and cloud your thinking. Fear, doubt, and anxiety creep in, and suddenly, even small tasks feel insurmountable.
But here’s the truth: stuck isn’t permanent. There is a way out, and it starts by getting HOPEFUL, a seven-step framework to help you reignite your momentum, sharpen your focus, and take your next best step forward.
H… Have a Vision
When the present feels heavy, the first step is to look beyond it. Vision is the light that pierces the fog. Imagine a future worth moving toward. Three years out. One month. One day, or even one hour. Choose a time frame that feels right for you and picture what you want to be true.
If you’re struggling to imagine it, ask yourself: What do I not want? Often, clarity hides on the other side of contrast. Flip that around, and you’ll find what you do want. That’s your vision. Write it out. Make it real. Though clouds may roll in, the sun is always shining above them.
O… Organize Your Time
Time is our most valuable currency, and most abused. Yes, things take time, but transformation is less about how much you have and more about how you use it. Be honest about what needs doing and how long it will take. Then, work with your energy, not against it. Notice your rhythms throughout the day, week, and season.
Understand the two types of time:
- Chronos is clock time, the hours and minutes.
- Kairos is felt time, the emotional weight of a moment.
Master both. Time-block your priorities. Stack your tasks like dominos, then knock them down one at a time. And always carve out space for what matters most.
P… Plan Your Actions
Now that you’ve organized your time, it’s time to plan with purpose. Identify what projects and next best actions will give you the most traction. Don’t confuse motion with progress. The right action at the right time is what creates real momentum.
Get your priorities into your calendar and guard that space like it’s sacred. When you pair clarity with commitment, results follow.
E… Engage Your Talents and Resources
What’s in your zone of brilliance? That sweet spot where your skill, joy, and impact intersect? Spend more time there. The things you’re naturally great at, and love doing, are where you’ll make your biggest difference.
If something falls outside that zone, ask yourself: can this be eliminated, delegated, or minimized? Stop wasting your time trying to be everything. Focus on what only you can do.
F… Feel What You Feel, Then Move
Feelings aren’t weaknesses. They’re part of being human. But emotions can either fuel us, or fog us up. Think of them like gauges on your dashboard. They’re there to inform, not control.
Fear often whispers lies, it’s wrong 99% of the time. When you catch yourself spiraling into negative thought loops, pause. Reframe. Then act. Because even the smallest action beats the best intention.
U… Unbridle Your Brilliance
Everything is "figure-outable." Failures are feedback. Mistakes are fixable. Playing it safe might feel comfortable, but it’s a terrible place to hide out.
This isn’t about “faking it till you make it.” It’s about stepping into your future self, the version of you who already knows how to move forward. You don’t need permission to grow into greatness. You just need to start acting like it’s already yours to claim.
L… Lean In to Every Segment
Your day is made of segments: waking up, breakfast, meetings, workouts, emails, winding down. Each one is a mini-game. Treat it that way.
Before each segment, pause and visualize: What does success look like here? Then summon the focus, energy, and mindset you need, and lean in. Picture yourself literally leaning forward. What happens? Your body takes a step to keep from falling. Trust that part of you. Momentum follows movement.
When life feels chaotic, uncertain, or just plain blah, don’t freeze. Don’t fold. Remember this: you can choose to be HOPEFUL.
Have a vision. Organize your time. Plan your actions. Engage your talents. Feel and move. Unleash your brilliance. Lean in.
Related: Lead Yourself First: The Inner Journey of Entrepreneurial Success