Never Say It Is Hopeless
Yaakov Avinu left every Jew a spark of light that no failure can dim, so no one ever has to give up hope.
The Torah says that Yaakov lived in Egypt for seventeen years. The Yismach Yisroel reads this as life given to us. Every Jew carries a portion of Yaakov within him, a hidden spark that is never blemished, and Yaakov brought the light of da'as, inner knowing, into the world. The value of the word tov, good, is seventeen, and with da'as a person understands that even hardship comes from Hashem's goodness. So when he looks at his own failings, his pain or his poverty, he will not say it is hopeless. He can reach Hashem with a single sigh from the depths, because Hashem's kindnesses have not ended. Even when relief is slow, the Rebbe teaches, a person should hope and then hope again. The hardship is a passing moment, and the spark within him is still alive.
Source: Yismach Yisroel, Vayechi, on Bereishis 47:28 ("Vayechi Yaakov")
Think about the one thing in your life that has felt stuck for a long time, whether it is a relationship, a habit, a prayer or a period of money worries. Instead of repeating the old thought that it will never change, say to yourself the Rebbe's words: there is still hope, and I will hope again. Then take one small step you have been avoiding. If a friend is in the same place, tell him that his spark has not gone out. Hope is something you can practice, one day at a time.