HOPE/VISION: A while ago, there was an experiment conducted with some rats to test their ability to survive under stress. One rat was placed into a container of water in a room, which was then made devoid of all light. The rat swam for some three minutes before giving up. Denied of light and not being able to see anything, it surrendered to hopelessness. Another rat was then placed in the same situation, except that this time there was a tiny beam of light allowed to filter into the room. The second rat swam for almost a day and a half (nearly 36 hours) before eventually giving up! The ray of light gave it hope (albeit false hope), which motivated the rat to continue in its struggle. Now I absolutely do not condone such cruel experiments on animals, however, I share this example with you to prove a point: Having something to focus on inspires and motivates you into action.

R. Ian Seymour, excerpt taken from Discover Your True Potential, p.86