I have heard the phrase, “I don’t want to get my hopes up,” countless times in my life. I have been guilty of using the phrase myself from time to time. We say things like, “I don’t want to be disappointed,” “It’s probably not going to happen” or any other excuse that readily comes to mind.
Friends, you should get your hopes up. How many times in your life do you actually get to be excited about something? Tampering excitement to save yourself from disappointment is not very bold living. Disappointment is a part of life friends, you cannot avoid it.
The thing is, if we are honest, we need excitement in our lives. We need that little spark of magic. Disappointments are so hard, but not having hope for good things is not any easier. This mentality does not protect you from disappointment, it only removes possibilities from your life. You should expect good things to happen, you should be on the lookout for opportunities, and you should boldly run towards any such opportunity. Will you always get the job offer, the girl, the guy, the sale, or the acceptance letter? No. You won’t. But you will get zero of the opportunities that you don’t chase. Playing it safe won’t get you there.
Be in constant pursuit of the life you desire. Ask the person out. Apply for the job. Make the call. Run after it with everything you have. Swing for the fences. Will you get told no? Absolutely you will. But you will also get some yeses. The risk is where the reward is. Accept disappointments with grace. No isn’t meant to stop you, it is simply a redirection. Take the lesson, adjust the sails and move on. But most importantly, get your hopes up.
