Chapter 1: Understanding Hopelessness

When you first came across this article, did skepticism lead you to click on it? What insights could a life coach possibly offer to someone grappling with hopelessness? It's a valid question. If someone feels utterly stuck, why would they even consider coaching?

It's true that when a client is unable to muster the motivation to move forward, coaching alone may not suffice. They might require therapy, counseling, or even medication. However, I aim to provide actionable strategies and potential solutions. I strive to give my best effort.

I have worked with numerous individuals who find themselves trapped in their own circumstances. They often feel immobilized and without direction. For many, consulting me is akin to a last-ditch effort. A common thread among them is their reluctance to take proactive steps on their own behalf. In such cases, I feel as though I have run out of options, and it's time to retreat.

Yet, I truly want to help! One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching is assisting clients in discovering new approaches, rearranging the pieces of their life puzzle until it becomes clearer, and helping them understand how to achieve their goals.

We can devise plans all day long. We can document everything on paper, create roadmaps, and list intentions and action items. But if the client is too afraid or unwilling to rise the next morning and begin following through on those commitments, then their investment of time, energy, and money in coaching becomes fruitless.

I understand how disheartening this can be.

For example, my former client "Lizzie" epitomized this struggle. At 27, she desperately needed a job but felt embarrassed about her sparse résumé. After bouncing in and out of college, she could no longer afford to graduate and was in urgent need of employment.

We explored various job sites, polished her online presence, refined her résumé, and she took assessments to help me understand her strengths and interests better. Like many, she wanted a fulfilling job that offered a comfortable living and benefits. She was available for a maximum of forty hours per week, as she valued her hobbies and social life. Yet, she harbored numerous fears — from stress and overwork to boredom.

We spent considerable time together, and I gained insight into what Lizzie could achieve if she chose to put in the effort. Through our discussions and extensive online research, we identified several promising career options. However, every opportunity was met with a string of objections:

“That job is too far to commute.”

“They require in-person attendance.”

“That role involves too much customer interaction.”

“I don’t want to dress up for work.”

“If I’m going to be there all day, I expect better pay.”

“I can’t be seen working retail. What if someone I know walks in?”

Every possibility was dismissed with a reason not to take action.

While it's essential to maintain standards and boundaries, sometimes a little risk is necessary to break free from the habit of inaction.

What types of risks are we talking about? There are many, and they can be daunting:

• Driving to unfamiliar places
• Facing daily traffic
• Meeting new people, who can be unpredictable
• Navigating the dreaded interview process
• Learning to negotiate salary and benefits
• Figuring out how to get along with coworkers
• Understanding what attire is expected
• Adapting to a new role
• Deciding where to eat for lunch
• Asking about 401(k) options and parking facilities

If you're striving for an adult life, these are the kinds of challenges you will encounter. And that's a good thing! (Here comes the encouragement.) You want to take responsibility for your life, learn to leap or find creative solutions to inevitable obstacles, feel pride in achieving independence, and enjoy the financial and emotional rewards of getting things done for your future.

In summary, adulthood demands risk-taking and proactive behavior. Resilience will come with practice, I assure you.

Be prepared to forgive yourself for honest mistakes. They’re not the end of the world, and you’ll learn from them. Learning from errors equals wisdom. Mistakes, redirections, and occasional pivots are far better than hiding in fear, pondering what could have been, and wishing for a miracle while remaining inactive.

So, let’s take action! What do you aspire to achieve next? What is the first step you need to take? When will you begin?

Remember, YOU CAN DO THIS. Your best life hinges on it. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Cheering you on! — Penny

If you found this article helpful, please share it with anyone who might benefit from it. You can follow me or click here to receive email updates for my future posts. Curious about coaching? Ready for some external support? Learn more at www.pennyrackley.com.

Chapter 2: Finding Hope Through Encouragement

The first video titled "Encouragement for Those Who Feel Hopeless | Joyce Meyer" offers motivational insights for individuals feeling despondent. Joyce Meyer shares uplifting words to help you regain hope and find a way forward in challenging times.

The second video titled "Scriptures for When You Feel Hopeless | Holly Furtick" provides spiritual encouragement through scripture. Holly Furtick shares biblical verses that can inspire and uplift those in moments of despair.