What is the secret to thriving in a world of unknowns and challenges? Much of your success will come from seeing the world for what it is and not what you want it to be. I’ve written about this mindset, Intense Realism, previously after I reread the book The 50th Law by Robert Greene and 50 Cent.
This theme of intense realism in The 50th Law has to do with seeing the world for exactly what it is. I’ve noticed that almost everyone makes up a completely different reality in their head that’s furthest from the truth.
This is the best example I can give to make anyone understand this concept.
Intense Realism Scenario
You see a guy and a girl walk into a restaurant together about the same age, the guy walking ahead of her toward the bar. Would your first assumption be that they are a couple? That is a far assumption to make and you might be correct most times, but the reality is that they are just two people walking into the restaurant together.
With intense realism, you would look and not make any assumptions about the situation until get information (ring on finger) that they are together.
They could be strangers walking in at the same time or that might be his cousin. This one assumption would have potentially stopped you from starting a conversation with what could have been the love of your life.
Intense Realism: Does Your Life Suck?
I’ve had to confront the realities of my own life and I accepted the fact that it just sucked. When I transitioned into a new industry for work with more upside, I had to be real and know that I would be taking a huge pay cut. I knew that because I was going from working at a bar into tech I did not have the technical foundation needed for the role.
At the start of my tech career I relied heavily on the social skills I developed from my years behind the bar to get ahead.
Intense Realism Against You
Having this mindset you also know that people will judge you based on your appearance (don’t be fat and wear good fitting clothes).
Trust me you will be treated a lot differently.