Don't Be Miserable in Advance: Be a Pragmatist

"Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight." — Benjamin Franklin

We’ve all been there—caught in a loop of worry about what might go wrong. It’s almost like we’re bracing ourselves for the worst before it even arrives. But here’s the thing: being miserable in advance doesn’t protect us from future pain; it only robs us of today’s peace.

Imagine for a moment what it would be like to approach life as a pragmatist. A pragmatist doesn’t waste energy on fear of what might be. Instead, they focus on what is real, what can be done, and how to make the best of every situation.

Here’s how you can shift from anticipating misery to embracing pragmatism:

1. Ground Yourself in the Present: It’s easy to let your mind wander into the land of "what ifs." But when you catch yourself doing this, gently bring your focus back to the present moment. What is happening right now? What can you control? By staying anchored in the present, you reduce the power of anxiety over an uncertain future.

2. Accept Uncertainty with Grace: Life is unpredictable. Instead of fearing the unknown, embrace it as part of the human experience. Understand that not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. When you accept uncertainty, you free yourself from the need to predict and control every outcome.

3. Plan Wisely, Worry Less: It’s important to plan for the future, but there’s a difference between planning and worrying. Planning involves taking practical steps toward your goals, while worrying is simply spinning in circles. Focus on creating actionable plans and let go of the urge to worry about every potential pitfall.

4. Cultivate a Problem-Solving Mindset: When challenges arise, approach them with curiosity rather than dread. Ask yourself, "What can I do to improve this situation?" By focusing on solutions rather than problems, you empower yourself to take constructive action.

5. Practice Mindful Gratitude: Shift your attention from what might go wrong to what is going right. Each day, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This simple practice can transform your perspective and help you see the positive aspects of your life.

By choosing to be a pragmatist, you don’t just survive life’s ups and downs—you thrive in them. You learn to navigate uncertainty with confidence, turning potential misery into opportunities for growth.

I encourage you to give this approach a try. Share your experiences, thoughts, and any insights you’ve gained along the way. And if you’re looking for more support on your journey to personal growth, join the Thrive with Gary Patreon Community. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for living a fulfilled, resilient life.

Visit Thrive with Gary Patreon Community ?and start thriving today.

Cheers,

Gary