Why hope matters is a question we often overlook in the chaos of our daily lives. Yet, hope is far more than a fleeting emotionโitโs a transformative force that fuels resilience, rebuilds communities, and reminds us that we matter. In todayโs episode of Passion Struck, we unpack why hope matters and how it connects to our deep need for significance.
Drawing from Viktor Franklโs powerful insights in Auschwitz, the Greensboro sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement, and my personal experience following Hurricane Helene, we explore how hope, when paired with the belief that our actions have meaning, can ripple outward to inspire change in others.
If youโve ever wondered why hope matters in overcoming personal and collective challenges, this episode will provide answersโand show you how to harness its power in your life and community.
Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Milesโs new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.
And in case you didnโt already know it, John R. Miles (@John_R_Miles) takes your comments and questions for Momentum Friday right here every week! If you want him to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected]. Now, letโs dive in!
“Hope isnโt just about imagining a better future. At its core, itโs about believing that your existenceโyour actionsโhave significance.”
John R. Miles
Why Hope Matters: The Hidden Force That Drives Change
Hope is often seen as fragileโa quiet, fleeting feeling that offers comfort in uncertain times. But hope is far more powerful than it seems. Itโs the invisible engine driving human resilience, the force that keeps us moving forward when logic tells us to stop. Hope thrives not because the future is guaranteed, but because it allows us to believe in the possibility of something better. Itโs the bridge between despair and action, connecting our inner belief to tangible, transformative outcomes.
Consider how hope operates in moments of crisis. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychiatrist, observed that hope wasnโt a luxury in Auschwitzโit was a necessity. Those who could envision a future beyond the barbed wire found an anchor that kept them alive. Their hope wasnโt passive; it was defiant. It tethered them to a sense of meaning, reminding them that even in unimaginable suffering, their lives still mattered.
But hope doesnโt only exist in extreme adversityโit also flourishes in everyday moments of connection and action. When Hurricane Helene left destruction in its wake, it wasnโt government programs that reignited hope. Neighbors showed up, friends offered help, and communities rallied together. These small, deliberate acts werenโt just about survivalโthey were about reminding people that they mattered, that they werenโt alone.
This is why hope matters. It turns belief into action, isolation into connection, and setbacks into opportunities for growth. Itโs a hidden forceโquiet yet unstoppableโthat drives change not just in individuals, but in families, communities, and societies. Understanding why hope matters allows us to harness its power, creating ripples of transformation wherever we go.
Key Takeaways from this episode about โWhy Hope Mattersโ:
- Why hope matters in navigating adversity and uncertainty.
- How Viktor Franklโs lessons from Auschwitz reveal the power of purpose-driven hope.
- The Greensboro sit-ins: a story of small acts sparking big change.
- Why hope flourishes in connection and collective action.
- Practical strategies for cultivating hope and mattering in your own life.
Why Listen to This Episode About โWhy Hope Mattersโ
This episode is a must-listen because it delves into one of the most transformative yet often overlooked forces in our lives: hope. Whether youโre navigating personal challenges, striving to create a positive impact, or looking to inspire those around you, understanding why hope matters can be the key to unlocking resilience, purpose, and connection.
We explore how hope is more than a fleeting feelingโitโs a driving force that transforms adversity into opportunity. Through powerful stories, like Viktor Franklโs insights from Auschwitz and the ripple effects of the Greensboro sit-ins, this episode demonstrates how hope becomes unstoppable when tied to mattering. Youโll also hear personal reflections on how hope ignites action and strengthens communities, making it both personal and universally relatable.
Most importantly, this episode offers practical insights you can apply to your own life. It challenges you to see the hidden power of hope and invites you to take small but meaningful steps to create ripples of significance in the world around you. If youโve ever felt the weight of insignificance or wondered how to inspire change, this episode will give you the tools to reclaim your sense of purpose and start creating lasting impact today.
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The Link Between Hope and Mattering: Why Hope Matters
At its core, hope and mattering are deeply connected. Hope thrives when people believe their actions have significance, and significance comes from feeling that we matterโto ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. This is why hope matters so profoundly: it not only fuels our belief in a better future but also affirms that we have a role to play in shaping it.
Research shows that feelings of insignificance can lead to despair, while acknowledgment and inclusion ignite hope. Viktor Franklโs observations in Auschwitz revealed that those who believed their suffering had meaning were far more likely to endure unimaginable adversity. For them, hope was tethered to a sense of purposeโa belief that their lives still mattered, even in the darkest of circumstances.
This connection isnโt just personal; itโs relational. After Hurricane Helene, the small gestures of friends and neighborsโoffering supplies, clearing debris, or simply showing upโcreated ripples of hope throughout the community. Each act wasnโt just a practical response; it was a reminder to others: You matter. This affirmation turned moments of despair into collective resilience, demonstrating the transformative power of shared hope.
Understanding the link between hope and mattering helps us see why hope matters in building stronger individuals and communities. When people feel seen and valued, theyโre more likely to take action, to believe in their potential, and to inspire others to do the same. Itโs a cycle of significance that starts with hope and ends with change.
RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW โWhy Hope Mattersโ
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. Itโs just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Viktor Franklโs book: Manโs Search for Meaning
Historical event mentioned: The Greensboro sit-ins of 1960 - Radio St. Pete: https://radiostpete.com/
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Donโt wait for the perfect moment or the perfect support system to act. Like Julia Butterfly Hill, you have the power to make a differenceโno matter how small you think your actions might be. Whatโs one thing you can do today to create positive change? Let us know in the comments and start your journey toward impact.
Check My solo episode on Why We All Crave To Matter: Exploring The Power Of Mattering.
Canโt miss my episode with Gabby Bernstein on finding profound freedom and inner peace
My solo episode on Fading into Insignificance: The Impact of Un-Mattering in Our Interconnected Era
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About John R. Miles
John R. Miles is a transformative leader, blending military precision with entrepreneurial flair to ignite purpose and intentional living in millions. A former U.S. Navy officer and Fortune 50 executive, John transitioned from the C-suite to become an international bestselling author and host of the globally acclaimed Passion Struckยฎ podcast, which has ranked as the #1 alternative health podcast in over 25 countries.
John writes about the science of behavior change, personal mastery, and purpose-driven leadership, drawing from his extensive research in neuroscience, and psychology, plus over 700 interviews with trailblazing experts. His book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life, has earned accolades including Best Business Book at the 2024 International Business Awards.
With a mission to inspire others to live with passion and intention, Johnโs quirky blend of deep insight and approachable wisdom makes him a sought-after voice in leadership and personal development.
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