It's been said that the pessimist thinks the glass is half
empty while the optimist thinks it's half full. Of course,
the computer programmer simply observes that the glass is
twice as big as it needs to be, but that's another story.
No matter which half of the glass people tend to patronize,
however, they're usually well armed when it comes to defending
their position.
Actually, I've always been rather fascinated with both optimists
and pessimists alike. In an age when wizards are unemployed
and sorcery is relegated to popular children's stories, it's
exciting to find people who can still perform good, old-fashioned
magic.
Let's slip backstage for a moment and take a look at an average
day in the lives of our players. Out of courtesy, we'll let
the pessimist go first. Of course, he'll probably just grumble
that he knew he was destined to be little more in life than
the opening act, but then, artists are temperamental creatures
by nature.
If fact, since we're basking in the glow of the limelight
anyway, let's use the life and times of a couple of actors
as our setting. Both have equal talent and appearance, and
both are sleeping on floors, waiting tables, and struggling
to find paying work in their chosen vocation. In other words,
they're typical entertainers.
Our downcast friend desperately needs to land a part, since
eating on a regular basis is a well-known requirement for
operating a human body. However, being a glass is half empty
kind of guy, he's not encouraged by his prospects. He goes
to few auditions because he just knows he's not right for
the part. In conversations with his friends, he continually
complains about how unfair the business can be. He's sure
that he'll never land a good part and in general sums up his
prospects for success in the business as bleak.
Once again, there are upcoming auditions, but his friends
succeed in convincing him to give it a try. However, because
he's sure he won't get the part, he puts in little effort
beforehand. Accordingly, his audition is a disaster and as
he anticipated, the part goes to someone else.
Of course, when gathered with his friends once more, he points
out that he told them that this was what would happen. Fortunately
for the validity of his perspective, he was right.
As it happens, our optimistic friend sleeps on the floor just
one flight above his downcast neighbor, and it's been about
as long since he's had a good meal. However, when gathered
with friends, he never fails to express his confidence that
he will one day succeed. Even when people point out that the
odds of winning the lottery are probably better, he just smiles
and says that there has to be a winner, so it might as well
be him.
No matter what opportunity arises, he auditions for it. Undeterred
by failure, he practices for hours each night after work.
He's rejected at every audition, right up to the one where
he's awarded the part that our pessimistic friend failed to
land.
Later, when gathered with his friends once more, he points
out that he told them that this was what would happen. Fortunately
for the validity of his perspective, he was right.
Our contestants can both justify their results perfectly well.
They got exactly what they expected. There's a bit of working
man's magic in here for everyone. Each actor, through their
perspective, created their own reality. Not through incantations
and waving of wands, but because they lived their lives according
to their expectations. The outcomes were inevitable.
You cannot succeed in any endeavor if you continually reinforce
the fact that you're a failure, for you'll take actions consistent
with your beliefs. If you're convinced that you're a winner,
you'll eventually prove it for the very same reasons. But
then, what did you expect?
Christopher Duncan is the best selling author
of Unite the Tribes and The Career Programmer. In addition
to his seminars, he's a popular speaker and frequent guest
on radio shows across the country. He's currently working
to improve companies and careers nationwide through his work
with the Campaign for American Excellence. To contact Christopher,
visit http://www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com
