What kind of realist are you?

Try to think of someone who describes themselves as “a realist”.

A dictionary definition of a realist is “Someone who sees things as they really are”.

As a realist you get to offer opinions widely because you have the gift of seeing the future or likely outcomes of things.

You get to couch your opinion in serious, caring, concerned and measured tones.

There’s not much Immediate risk because a realist knows the evidence of being right or wrong is not yet in.

Is there a danger though that with growing confidence a realist starts to become self righteous and less consoling or proactive?

You may be dealing with a problem that needs your undivided attention today and a realist takes you two months forward to all the possible snags the problem may bring.

Actually, the reality is that if you don’t deal with the problem today, those outcomes two months from now are, on this occasion, a pointless consideration!

A realist can, at times, add anxieties where they do not exist.

Some can even take on the role of a Prophet of Doom.

A realist can, too often, know the problem but never see the solution.

Often, their best guide is to accept disappointment, loss or defeat.

A true realist accepts there is a challenge but finds options to mediate best outcomes.

They may not be ideal outcomes but in the circumstances they are reasonable expectations.

A true realist deals with possibilities and a false realist expects things to get worse.

Even worse, a false realist sits back and watches them getting worse!

We all need a realist in our lives but choosing the wrong kind can be fatal.

Optimism achieves things in spite of the challenge – Fatalism acts as a victim before any conclusions are known.

Trust me – I’m a realist!