How I decide to interpret that reality, positive or negative is down to me.
Now, gentle reader, I’m not saying that being realistic has supplanted my belief that exceptional results can come from a bit of delusion, faith, and hard work. What I am saying is the more you know yourself, the more you will make choices aligned with where you want to go. Realism, for me, is not trying to limit your imagination because that is boundless.
Realism is knowing yourself and the world you live in.
Knowing, for example, the amount of work that is required to become a bestselling author or knowing that speculative fiction with diverse characters will not sell as much as Spy thrillers with white protagonists in today’s market. That will change, but for now, that is the reality for most.
Knowing thyself, in this case, is about whether you will take on the task at hand without wishing it was some other way. You have to accept the Status Quo before you can change it. And making sure your actions are congruent with your aspirations? That’s where the reality check must play an essential role in your life. At this stage, you must be honest with yourself. You need to know thyself, know the sacrifices you are willing to make, identify your strengths, weaknesses, know your passions,
know your goals and know the world you live in.
I still believe in living an extraordinary life, you have to be stubborn and sometimes delusional. Your imagination does not conform to the rules of realism. It is a force onto itself.
Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.
Napoleon Hill
Don’t concern yourself about what your imagination can create. The spark that will make anything you imagine real will come from you. But guess what gentle reader, that spark cannot be ignited if you’re unsure of what YOU are all about. We, humans, are experts at making promises we don't fulfil - to ourselves and others. The human spirit is a powerful thing; it can produce miracles if it’s guided by someone who knows the truth about themselves and
the world around them.
Who are you?
Where do you stand?
What are your values?
What is your definition of extraordinary?
Unless you have a clear understanding of yourself, you’re not going to be able to make the right call when the time comes. And if you can’t do that, extraordinary is out of your reach.
So what’s the takeaway.
Think outside the box. Think of creating new worlds, unconventional living, discover unique ways to share your passion. Be crazy, weird, delusional, out of your mind about the possibilities. Do extraordinary things.
Just know what you are about.
Leader or follower.
Creator or consumer.
Winner or loser.
It’s your choice.
And just remember that before you can change the status quo, you must accept that it exists.
