A very common piece of advice that we all get from time to time is “be realistic”.
Usually we hear this in response to our explaining how or why we intend to embark on the realization of a dream, ambition or desire that appears to be out of reach at present. It may even involve taking a risk or two. Point is, “be realistic” is a common response to someone – maybe you – taking the risk to reach far ahead of who, what or where they are.
But there is a big problem with “be realistic” – it squelches positive momentum, and often fatally. So assuming positive intentions, a far better alternative to offer is “operate in reality”, because “be realistic” is nowhere near the same thing as “operate in reality”. To wit:
- “Be Realistic” means “accept whatever constraints you have been led to believe that you must accept”.
- “Operate In Reality” means just what it says, as well as “neither pretend nor waste time relying on wishful thinking”.
See the difference?
So if you ever find yourself feeling compelled to either give or receive this type of advice, do yourself (and them) a big favour: purge the phrase “be realistic” from your mind & vocabulary, and replace it with “operate in reality”. Remember: As long as you have at least one foot on the ground, it’s safe to soar!