| Reco from Rantburg’s own Besoeker. Link goes to the Amazon Kindle page so you can download the free sample chapters, dear Reader. |
Page 66 - Live in Your RealityAdmiral Jim Stockdale was a navy pilot who, in 1965 was shot down during the Vietnam War. After parachuting into enemy territory, he was taken prisponer. Over the next seven and a half years, he was severely beaten and tortured by his captors, until he was released in 1973. During his time in captivity and despite his continued mistreatment by the North Vietnamese, Stockdale survived while he watched other men die. During an interview with author Jim Collins, when Stockdale was asked his thoughts on who didn't make it out of the camps, he said "it was the optimists - they died of broken hearts."
Although having a level of optimism is important, facing the facts of your reality matters even more. If you're focused on only a positive outcome, you may find it impossible to cope should a less favorable one arise. When I was on the president's protective detail, I was optimistic that my security plan was strong enough to deter any assassination attempt, but I certainly wasn't arrogant or delusional enough to think it could never happen. I accepted the possibility which in turn, kept my mind sharp and open to finding solutions to unexpected problems and unforeseen threats. As an agent responsible for the lives of my protectees, my colleagues, the public, and myself, I knew it was better to wear clear glasses and see things as they truly were rather than rose colored ones that gave me a skewed version of the truth.
Your ability to accept a situation - the real situation - will ultimately help you overcome it. This means that when unplanned shit happens, and it will, you must forgo the I can't believe this is happening to me attitude, and instead adopt the mindset of This is happening to me. This is my reality. So now what?