In times of difficulty, how do we keep moving forward? What mindset helps us overcome challenges? When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the performing arts industry was hit hard. Venues closed, crowds disappeared, and artists were left without their livelihoods. To understand how people persevere through tough times, a study was conducted in partnership with MusiCares, a nonprofit supporting music industry professionals. The study focused on two mental approaches: mindfulness and hopefulness.
Mindfulness, which involves being present and aware in the moment, is often seen as a key tool for navigating challenges like the pandemic. However, the study revealed that while mindfulness is beneficial for well-being, cultivating a hopeful mindset is also essential. Researchers followed 247 performers for 18 months during the pandemic, assessing their mindset and well-being. Surprisingly, the study found that hope was more effective than mindfulness in helping artists bounce back and stay engaged with their work.
The findings highlighted the importance of maintaining hope during challenging times. Those who held onto hope reported higher levels of resilience and engagement with their work, even in the face of uncertainty. Hope also led to increased positive emotions, which helped individuals cope with the ongoing crisis. While mindfulness is valuable in many situations, it may not always be the best strategy during prolonged adversity.
In difficult times, actively working to cultivate hope can be a powerful coping mechanism. Rather than focusing solely on the present moment, having hope for a better future and taking steps to work towards it can provide the motivation needed to persevere. Journaling about future goals, sharing hopes with others, and setting achievable targets are practical ways to nurture hope.
The study emphasized the importance of positive emotions in building resilience. Engaging in activities that bring joy, connecting with loved ones, and practicing gratitude can all contribute to a sense of hope and resilience. By learning from the experiences of resilient artists, we can adopt strategies to navigate uncertainty and challenges, emerging stronger on the other side.
In conclusion, while mindfulness has its benefits, hope emerges as a powerful tool for personal growth and resilience. By embracing hope, setting goals for the future, and focusing on positive emotions, individuals can find the strength to overcome even the toughest of circumstances. Cultivating hope provides a guiding light in times of darkness, offering a path forward towards a brighter future.