Anything One Man Can Imagine, Other Men Can Make Real.
(Jules Verne)

Previously, we have discussed the question “What is reality?”.

The concept of “reality” can be a limiting thought that we place on our beliefs to prevent future disappointments. By limiting our expectations to the bounds of what we call “realistic”, it lessens the likelihood we can be disappointed by failing to achieve our dreams.  It also makes it harder to incorporate positive change into our lives.

Different people have different versions of what is realistic.

The real world is what I see and the real world is what you see. Strangely, they are never the same real worlds.

Some type of middle ground needs to be reached when setting our goals and expectations. For example, it is possible I could become a millionaire by 9:00 AM tomorrow morning, but it would be much more realistic to believe that I can, and will, become a millionaire within a given time period, such as two or three years.

It is okay to have wild, almost unlimited goals and expectations, as long as we either shield ourselves from unnecessary disappointment by structuring our goals and expectations within “realistic” boundaries, or are willing to accept the risk of failing to achieve our goals.

Notwithstanding, it is okay to dream wild, crazy dreams. It is a good thing to “think outside the box”. Thinking outside the box means to not let one’s self be limited by the general beliefs of the time and situation.

Based upon the common beliefs of his time, Thomas Edison was probably unrealistic for thinking he could invent a light bulb. Notwithstanding, he imagined the concept and then proceeded, after many failures, to create a working light bulb.

Stop for a minute and think about how much our society has changed as a result of his thinking outside the box and creating the light bulb. I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly glad he did.

My next post will talk about how “thinking outside the box” can lead to lots of failures (and lots of successes) . . .

Analysis

As you meditate upon this thought, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you a “realistic” thinking or a dreamer?
• How has “realistic” thinking protected you, in the past, from the disappointments associated with failure?
• How has “realistic” thinking limited you, in the past, from the joys of success?
• Are you willing to risk failure, if it increases the possibility of success?

Until next time, may you find your path by walking it . . .

Stanley F. Bronstein

Agent of SuperChange