ABSTRACT
Being hopeful and optimistic is beneficial in many aspects of life – including sports. Research suggests that an athlete’s or coach’s view of their own future (i.e., whether the view is bright or dark), and the perceived ability to find a route toward significant personal goals are related to sport performance and well-being. In this chapter we introduce the theoretical concepts of hope and optimism, provide a brief overview of findings in sport-oriented research and suggest promising applied interventions within this field. Throughout the chapter we also challenge the reader with various reflection and critical thinking exercises about the topic.
