Selective Realism

Introduction:

Selective realism is a coaching tool that encourages clients to balance optimism and realism by focusing on the positive aspects of their reality while acknowledging and addressing challenges. It involves selectively concentrating on the realistic elements of situations that can be influenced or changed while maintaining a hopeful and solution-focused mindset. The goal is to avoid either overly pessimistic or blindly optimistic thinking and instead adopt a grounded approach that empowers individuals to take constructive action.

Principles of Selective Realism

1. Acknowledge Reality
   Selective realism starts by recognising the current situation honestly and clearly, without exaggerating the negative or ignoring the positive.
   • Example: A team leader facing a challenging project deadline recognises the difficulty of meeting the deadline while also acknowledging the skills and resources available to achieve success.