The Realist's Guide to Life
Most of us have a problem with defining ourselves as optimists. How can you be optimistic about everything in life? What if someone hits you in the face?
At the same time, we don't want to be labeled "pessimist" either. Nobody wants (to be) a party pooper. If there's nothing good in life, what's the point?
Thus, almost everyone conveniently classifies himself as a realist.
The problem is, however, quite a few realists use the label as an excuse to be pessimistic.
"I'm a realist, honey. I see the situation as it is. Life has dealt me a shitty hand ... so I can whine about it. And don't you try stuffing it with all that positive optimistic bullshit."
Lens Contents
Most importantly, it'll still have a short-and-to-the-point feel to it. Promise!
Opposites Always Come in Pairs
Even if they don't attract.
Where there is a plus, there's a minus. Where there is a problem, there's a solution. Where there is love, there's hate.Evil has been around for quite a while. And so was Good. Neither is leaving anytime soon.
Life is built on duality. Death is it's partner.
Opposites are everywhere. Even in atoms. They are ubiquitous.
No Negative Here!
Success is like a battery.
Women finally lose their fat ... and have to deal with their partner's jealousy from too much attention.Men finally become amazing in bed ... and have to deal with the overwhelming number of calls from women.
People finally become famous ... and have to deal with the paparazzi.
No Positve Here!
Failure is like a battery.
Thomas Edison failed ... and found 1,000 ways that didn't work.Good old Abe Lincoln ran for senate and lost ... and got strong enough to save the union as President.
That girl that rejected a week ago went to jail for petty theft ... you never wanted a relationship with a thief anyway.
The Traps of Everyday Life
When realists become too pessimistic ... or too optimistic.
Have you ever met a debtor that's always focused on his debt?"I'm in so much debt, I can't think about anything else. I need to get out of debt as soon as possible. It seems like I'm running on a treadmill. I'm not making any progress. I'm in so much debt ..."
Either get used to the treadmill (you'll be on it for a while) ... or get off the negative thought pattern. (More on this down the lens.)
On the other hand, have you ever met a person with a "sure-thing" scheme that's designed to solve all of his problems?
"I'll be complete when I'll finally get signed by that major label. Music will bring me more money and connections than I can imagine. All my financial problems will go away. I'll have more women in my life than I've ever dreamed. Everyone will love me."
Sorry to disappoint, but even more problems await as you reach that level on the stage. You'll have a nice rude awakening if you don't open your eyes right now. (If you even make it there with your little fantasies.)
Is There a Way?
How to be a REAL realist.
... and the answer is in the battery.
For everyday situations and problems (or really huge problems and setbacks)
- Acknowledge and fully accept the (more obvious) negative side of the situation.
- Find and focus fully on the (less obvious) positive side of the situation. It's always there, don't worry.
- Focus fully on the (more obvious) positive side of the goal.
- Acknowledge and fully accept any problems that may come along in the future. Embrace them as they come along. (Refer to the above procedure if the problem seems like it's too much for you.)
Accept the negative. Focus on the positive. Be real. Be happy.
A Debt Only Has a Negative
That's why it's a debt, right?
I agree. A debt means you have a negative number representing your financial situation.But where's the positive?
The coolest thing I realized about shitty life circumstances ... is that they always carry amazing opportunities, opportunities you would have never been exposed to had you not been in that seemingly negative situation.
I'm in debt right now. Not me, technically. But my family. Yes, the negative butt of the battery is in my face right now. But. I reached over and felt an awesome opportunity for my family to come together into a bond stronger than ever as we grow out of debt together.
I'm thankful for my debt. Are you?
Links for the Realist
What every realist should check out.
- Self Coaching 101
- This is the site where you can download a free one hour class of Brooke Castillo teaching the basics of how to coach yourself ... into realistic positive thinking.
- Take the Test
- The test what every realist (not just every guitarist) should take before setting any goal.
Resources for the Realist
Books every realist should have (and read).
The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick)
Be realistic with any goal and pursuit in your life. Quit realistically.
Amazon Price: $9.76 (as of 12/02/2008) 
Practicing the Power of Now: Essential Teachings, Meditations, and Exercises from The Power of Now
Having a hard time acknowledging and fully accepting the negativity of your circumstances? Get this book.
Amazon Price: $11.56 (as of 12/02/2008)
Are you a realist?
Who are you? Did any light-bulbs go off as you were reading? Post your reactions here ... I'd love to hear from you!
