Making Hope Happen - by Shane J Lopez (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this practical guide to the anatomy of hope and how to harness its incredible power in your own life, a leading psychologist "shines a light on one of the most powerful, and most misunderstood, emotional forces in our lives" (Daniel Pink, author of Drive).

Some people manage to bounce back quickly from setbacks, to lead happy, healthy, productive lives, no matter their circumstances. These people have found a way to make good things happen even when luck isn't on their side. The secret ingredient they use to transform their lives, it turns out, is hope.

Using discoveries from the largest study of hopeful people ever conducted, Shane J. Lopez, PhD, "the world's preeminent expert on hope" (Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of The How of Happiness), reveals that hope is not just an emotion but an essential life tool. Hope is a leading indicator of success in relationships, academics, career, and business, and with Making Hope Happen, you can measure your level of hope and learn how to increase, use, and share it. In addition, Lopez shares the uplifting stories of real people who have created hope in their own lives and communities, from a CEO who befriended a curious nine-year-old to a college student who is thriving after two heart transplants.

Praised as "thoughtful and pragmatic" (Publishers Weekly), Making Hope Happen is for anyone seeking a better future--for themselves, for their business, or for the world. The message is clear: Hope is a choice. Hope can be learned. Hope is contagious. Hope can change your life.

Review Quotes

"Making Hope Happen instantly draws you in. With intriguing stories and important insights on every page, this book not only illustrates the power of hope, but the simple steps we can all take to get more of it in our lives."--Sian Beilock, author of Choke: What The Secrets Of The Brain Reveal About Getting It Right When You Have To

"A clear and powerful introduction to the scientific study of hope by the leading researcher on this vital topic, Making Hope Happen is full of useful strategies for getting our future under control. A pleasure to read, and a treasure to save for those bleak days when defeat stares us in the face."--Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

"Finally, a book that shines a light on one of the most powerful, and most misunderstood, emotional forces in our lives. Making Hope Happen is a smart and incisive look at the scientific and practical aspects of building visions of the future we can believe in and work toward."--Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive and A Whole New Mind

"Hope is the most undervalued state of mind in the world. This book demystifies hope and makes it a much-needed secret weapon for all leaders at all levels."--Jim Clifton, CEO, Gallup

"Lopez explores the one emotion--hope--that divides our society into two camps: those of us who believe everyone has it; or, those who believe everyone else has it. Either way, we all want more of it--without even understanding what hope is and how to use it. The first step? Articulating the difference between optimism (a rosy attitude with which some are born) and hope (an ability to see that the future can be better and that you have a role in creating it). Hope is made, not handed down, he writes, and it can be learned even by pessimists."-- "O: The Oprah Magazine"

"Shane Lopez, the world's preeminent expert on hope, shares his expertise and wisdom on what hope is, how to create more of it in your life, and how to teach it to others, with the aim of meeting your goals, leading a happier, more flourishing life, and making the world a better place."--Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of The How of Happiness

"There's no pill or supplement that can reverse aging. In fact, most of what explains longevity is not for sale--purpose, faith, and the hope. This book--from one of the nation's most renowned well-being researchers--explores the power of hope and shows us where to find it."--Dan Buettner, National Geographic Fellow & author of The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest

"Thoughtful and pragmatic, Lopez's work will inspire readers to take control of their future, choose hope, and choose life."-- "Publishers Weekly"