Key Takeaways
- The start of a new year can bring a sense of renewal and possibility, but it can be challenging to maintain confidence in an anxious world.
- Small, steady efforts can lead to significant progress over time, as seen in the story of author Essie Chambers and her debut novel "Swift River".
- Hope is not just a feeling, but an action that can be taken to make a positive difference in the world.
- Beginning a new project or goal can be a messy and uncertain process, but it’s essential to start somewhere and chip away at it.
- Focusing on making a difference, rather than being overwhelmed by negative trends, can be a powerful way to cultivate hope.
Introduction to Hope and New Beginnings
As a journalist, I often have the privilege of connecting with people who are smart and thoughtful, and I treasure their insights on life and work. Their ideas about hope are particularly relevant as I try to cultivate a brighter view of the future each January. A new year can bring a sense of renewal and possibility, although it can be challenging to maintain confidence in an anxious world. The start of a new year is a time when many of us reflect on our goals and aspirations, and it’s essential to approach this process with a sense of hope and optimism.
The Power of Small Steps
Last October, I had the opportunity to attend an evening program with Essie Chambers, the winner of the 2025 Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence. Chambers’ debut novel, "Swift River", has received widespread acclaim since its publication in 2024. What struck me about Chambers’ story is that success did not come overnight. In fact, it took her almost 10 years to write her novel, and for a long time, she was known as someone who was always trying to finish a book. Chambers’ experience is a powerful reminder that progress can be slow and imperceptible at times, but steady effort can eventually pay off. As she said, "It took me almost 10 years to write ‘Swift River.’ I do think there can be courage in small steps." This message is particularly relevant in the context of New Year’s resolutions, when many of us get discouraged if we don’t see immediate results.
The Importance of Beginning
Chambers’ comments also highlighted the importance of beginning, even when the finish line seems elusive. "Beginning is a messy business," she said, "full of doubt and stubborn hope." This is a crucial point to keep in mind when starting a new project or goal. It’s easy to get caught up in uncertainty and self-doubt, but it’s essential to push through these feelings and take small steps towards our objectives. By doing so, we can build momentum and make progress, even if it’s slow. Chambers’ experience shows that with persistence and dedication, we can achieve our goals and make our dreams a reality.
Hope as an Action
I also had the opportunity to interview Arthur C. Brooks, who writes and lectures about the best way to achieve happiness. His latest book, "The Happiness Files", elaborates on his thinking on the subject. When I asked Brooks how he finds hope in these challenging times, he said, "I understand that well-being trends are moving in the wrong direction, and I’m not incredibly optimistic about those trends making a full U-turn. But I’m not hopeless. The reason I research, write, speak and teach about happiness is because I think — notwithstanding the data in front of me — that I can make a difference. That’s what gives me hope." Brooks’ comments reminded me that hope is not just a feeling, but an action that we can take to make a positive difference in the world. By focusing on what we can do to make a difference, rather than getting overwhelmed by negative trends, we can cultivate hope and work towards creating a better future.
Conclusion and Reflection
As I reflect on the insights I gained from Essie Chambers and Arthur C. Brooks, I am reminded of the importance of approaching the new year with a sense of hope and optimism. By taking small steps towards our goals, beginning with uncertainty and doubt, and focusing on making a positive difference, we can cultivate hope and work towards creating a brighter future. As we embark on this new year, I encourage readers to embrace these principles and to approach their goals and aspirations with a sense of hope and determination. By doing so, we can make progress, achieve our objectives, and create a more positive and hopeful world.