Now What?!

Having a plan has always been my safety net, a study plan for the finals, an itinerary for my sister's visit to town, summer, travels even a planned menu for entertaining friends at the backyard. It did not matter if I went through with my plans or not; especially those hideous study plans. As long as I had a plan, preferably written or typed, I felt I was on top of my game, secure and moved forward without any doubts.

It wasn't until I read an article by Marquita Herald on optimism "When Optimistic Thinking Isn’t Enough" that it hit, I am one of those people who enjoy the benefits of their desired results. Don't get me wrong, I am an optimist, I am so optimistic it annoys ME personally on occasion, yet I might fall under those Marquita calls compulsive optimistic.

"Maybe, but consider the findings of Psychologist Gabriele Oettingen who refers to optimism as “wishful thinking.” According to her research unrealistic optimism can entice a person into mentally enjoying the benefits of having already achieved their desired result, leaving them with little motivation to take the necessary action to actually achieve that outcome. Worse yet, it can prevent a person from preparing for potential obstacles, or facing what needs to be done to deal with very real problems."

The satisfaction I achieved from celebrating my plans and the imaginary outcomes could have hindered me at many occasions, studying was not one of those occasions though. The rush of having a plan followed by the first stage of execution must be fulfilling enough for me that I stop from seeing my projects through.

I have always perceived myself as one to get bored easily hence quitting things too soon; it wasn't until I ran into this eye opener that I started weighing things differently. It is always the outsider perspective that sheds the best light onto your problems. Besides the unfinished business and the feeling of under achievement, unrealistic optimism leads to continuous frustration. Reality as well as the ugly truth hit you strong when you have your head up in the clouds.

This new found reality has already started to affect how I think about my business however I cannot help but wonder, now what? Will I be a more of a realistic optimist or will I fall back into the comfort of the familiar?