Every day we’re supposed to learn a new lesson — the goal is to be better today than yesterday. That sounds easy on paper and in conversation. It definitely sounds like life’s secret has been revealed when you hear it from someone talking about it from the stage.
And it seems, to me, that being better than yesterday is not a constant. How can you be continuously better every day? I mean, that’s darn impressive if someone could elevate every single day.
In a world of rapid evolution, I find it practically impractical to become better today than yesterday — all the time.
In fact, as I write this article, I am 10X worse than who I was yesterday.
It begs this question. Do we enjoy subscribing to the fantasies of life, or face the reality head on?
One sounds better than the other. A fantasy, after all, resembles the fairy tale of how picture our life from a very young age.
But, if you chose to face life head on, you’re going to run into brick walls once in a while, without a doubt. Or you could live in your bubble and remain in the comfort of your own walls.
We all live in our own fantasies because it’s safe
Each one of us has a mental picture of what life should be…how your kids should behave, how employees or managers should conduct themselves, how your neighbors should act, and on and on and on.
Everybody has a “safe place” they go to when being attacked or criticized. And for many people, fantasyland is the place. It creates a sense of security (albeit false), nonetheless it’s a place perceived zen.
When reality is distorted by real life issues — you know, the opposite of your expectations…how do you deal with it?
Here’s the problem with living in your own “world.” You are the mayor, you’re the president, you are in 100% charge. And you get to decide how your proverbial highways (your mental constructs) are built, connected, or destroyed.
It also serve as a defense mechanism…or preservation.
I’m not a licenced medical professional, but I can certainly tell you, from my personal experience that if you choose to live in your fantasy world, I hope you don’t wake up — otherwise, you’re going to be in for a rude awakening.
Just do me a favor, do not bring anyone with you into your world.
You cannot handle the truth
So what happens when you are faced with reality? I mean…how will you react to something that you’re unfamiliar with.
Here’s what happens. You start to justify your actions and thoughts. Because you cannot afford to let your own world crumble or even explore the possibility of an alternate world — the real one. I admit, this might sound extreme.
But if you’ve met someone who only thinks they are right all the time — and when presented with alternatives start to formulate an argument solely based on their point of view, then you know what I’m talking about.
It’s not any different when you’re trying to scale your business but refuse to see someone else’s view except yours.
Learn to handle the truth even it’s the total opposite of what you belief.
If there’s good karma, then the opposite should exist
I hear people talk about karma all the time. Karma this karma that.
My favorite is when something good happens, it’s good karma. Yes, I do believe in the laws of attraction — good begets good.
But I also believe in taking action. Karma is not going to deliver anything to your door…it surely won’t fill up your checking account.
So let’s talk about karma. According to wikipedia, karma is defined as:
(in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.
Ok. so it sounds like the law of the spiritual world. Great. Or in other words, karma is whatever one puts out into the universe will come back to them.
That means, if you put love, you get love back. You put peace, your life gets filled with peacefulness. In essence, to get friendship, peace, love, you must be those things.
And the opposite is true also then right? If you put grudge, hatred, ungratefulness, envy into the world, then that’s what you will get back.
So what’s the point of writing this post?
In both business and life, it is of utmost importance to live in reality and the present.
Yes, we all have past transgressions. Even if you think that you have wronged nobody and have lived a sin-free life, I am willing to bet if you dig deeper and be truthful, you’ll find something.
Do not let your past burden your present and future. And importantly, do not let yourself down when others use your past transgressions against you. This will happen at least once in your lifetime!
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a contractor, full-time employee, or job hunting…
…I urge, no. I challenge you to leave your fantasy world and join me in the real world. You will realize that living in the real world can sometimes suck, but it’s also the one built upon facts and truth.
