True – consistent with fact or reality. You know the trick about that word? It’s f-ing subjective! If you tell me “This is the one true way to use this,” I’m going to tell you that it’s your opinion.
Realist- viewing the world in terms of what is. Same thing. Subjective. My definition of realist: pessimist. Because I’ve rarely met someone claiming to be a realist that isn’t a big wet woolen sweater on my thoughts and opinions.
Practical- concerned with actual use or practice. Ditto. What’s practical for you isn’t practical for me.
The Power of Words
Here’s how YOU use the above. Immediately take weight away from these words. If someone says there’s one true way to do something, it’s almost always bullshit. It might be their experience. It might be their best practice. But there’s always another perspective. It’s your choice whether to follow the “one true way” or to reinvent the wheel. But innovation doesn’t come from “one true way” types.
Realists are useful to have around. But don’t be one yourself if you’re not already. Just get their thoughts. Nod. And then decide if you’re going to break the rules. Learn the rules, break the rules. Make new rules.
Practical is a demon. Practical is the excuse people give you when you’re trying something big and bold and new. Banish practical to the operations teams of the world, those who strive to execute. It’s great to have practical people around. They make wonderful, energetic workers. But they’re not dreamers and innovators and new-try-ers. So, keep them near, but not on your “big new idea” advisory group.
What other vocabulary should we discuss?
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