It's not in your self-interest to hide from tension. No matter how long you avoid it, you never escape it. You don't need to search for tension, either. It will find you and present itself. So, why do people seem intent on creating tension where it doesn't exist?
Life provides enough tension without us inventing unnecessary tension. Just because one force meets another force doesn't make them opposing forces.
We'd all agree that optimism is a powerful force. And most agree it's a good thing.
We'd all agree that realism is a powerful force. And again, most agree it's also a good thing.
So, why do most people (including leaders) frame it as Optimism vs Realism? Why do people treat them as opposing forces? Why do so many people believe they must be optimistic or realistic? Why isn't it Optimism and Realism?
Optimism and Realism are not opposing forces. It's a false, unnecessary tension that doesn't exist until we create it in our minds.
You can be 100% realistic and 100% optimistic at the same time. Nothing about embracing optimism prevents you from staying grounded in realism. Nothing about staying grounded in realism prevents you from embracing optimism.
See reality. See possibility. Accept what is. Imagine what could be. Observe what is happening. Believe in what could happen. Don't hide from uncomfortable truths, but don't hide behind them either.
In my life, I call it Unflinching Realism with Relentless Optimism.
The unnecessary tension we create between Realism and Optimism is one example. What other examples of tension do we create where it doesn't need to exist?
Brick by brick. Do the work.
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