Viewpoint

The Optimist, The Pessimist, and The Realist

This is the story about three guys, named, Optimist, Pessimist and Realist. They were all on a ship out at sea when there was a small explosion on the ship and it started to go up in flames. Each man's response to the situation was totally different, born from his particular viewpoint.

The optimist was just certain that all would work out just fine and simply went about his business.

The pessimist was certain the ship was sinking instantly beneath his feet and yelled, "Abandon ship," as he dove overboard into the icy sea.

The Realist assessed the situation, put on a life jacket and grabbed two more, one for each of his friends and hurried to the nearest lifeboat calling for his friends, Optimist and Pessimist to come jump into the lifeboat before it was lowered into the water.

Realist hopped in, just before it was lowered and scanned the ship deck where he saw Optimist surrounded by fire and frantically slapping at the flames with his jacket. When the lifeboat touched the water, Realist saw the body of his friend, Pessimist floating lifeless, dead from the impact with the icy sea.

Whether you come from the viewpoint of the pessimist or the optimist, in order to survive and prosper in the world, you need to harness the ability to learn the skills of a realist. The realist is a neutral viewpoint, neither pessimistic nor optimistic; a viewpoint that is concerned with the most effective response to any given situation as determined by the details of that situation.

V.P. Mosser

©2001-2005 V.P. Mosser
You're welcome to use this article in your Ezine or website as long as you include this blurb.
Successful entrepreneur, V.P. Mosser is the creator of the Learn the Lessons Series, the Life's Journey publication and numerous thought-provoking articles. To learn more and receive free chapters or issues, visit http://www.learnthelessons.com

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