How to Recognize a Pipedream in the Making
Choose your own path - and follow it.
Every once in a while, I’ll hear someone say, “I’m going to try that.”
And I cringe when I hear the words.
Why? In my opinion, it’s because the thing being considered usually carries a heavy risk factor — a failure quotient that has the potential to produce frustration, disappointment, and stress.
Allow me to clarify …
When someone is fired up by an exciting possibility, they tend to overlook the potential pitfalls and failures that typically underly the process.
In blind anticipation, they’ll push the consequences into the background — the result of acting in the heat of the moment, or needing an ego boost, or attempting to make a connection with someone in the mistaken belief a lasting bond will be forged.
And that’s when the problem starts.
When I see this type of situation begin to develop, I have to wonder what happens in the minds of those who are so willing to step off a cliff without looking down first. What internal trigger causes the kind of tunnel vision that can pitch reality right out the door?
It’s simple: In most cases, the person has just witnessed a sales pitch like no other.
I’ve seen this happen too many times. And I understand it’s hard to avert your eyes and hypnotized brain from an incredibly brilliant success story — especially if the victor is waving a discount and flashy smile as confirmation that you, too, can achieve a firm grip on the golden goose.
My mental discomfort with this “solidarity” thinking comes down to a blind faith allegiance that:
1. What the other person is saying about their wonderful, marvelous, unbelievable experience is true;
2. The circumstances, actions, and resources available to you will be the same as they were for the other person;
3. If you do/try what the other person has done, you’ll achieve the exact same outcome, results, and rewards.
I sense your building discomfort.
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