THE COMPLAINT

July 6th, 2018

This episode references Episode 72: Perseverance Vs. Pivot, Episode 77 The Proper Way to Fail, and Episode 23: entitled Pause. If you'd like to fully understand these references, please check out these episodes first.

Why do so many mope and grope?

It’s easy, for one.

Why is it easy? 

The complaint follows an ancient formula that has changed little.  It is akin to a picture frame that a person carries around and looks through every time they see something that could be better.  Or just a pair of shit-streaked glasses.  There is no need to interact with the problem.  Just observe, feel, speak.  The observation is certain.  It is an accurate depiction of reality.  It deceives us into feeling certain about reality, as though we have identified it, nailed it down, called it out once and for all.

Certainty is a wondrously cozy feeling.  We seek more of it.  And the formula is very easy to apply.  This act in the name of certainty helps perpetuate the status quo. Because no changing action ever comes from this formula.  And the longer it perpetuates, the longer our "observation" is valid and the more solid our sense of certainty about reality.  This is a vicious cycle.

What is the opposite of the complaint?

Buckling down, staring an uncertain path in the face and trying to figure out how to get the current state of things to morph into a better future.

No easy formula there.

Does this have the potential for a habit?

Only in the vaguest way.

Or by means of small specific habits: Remembering The Pause.  The think.  The Experiment.  The Interpretation of Failure as Feedback.  The Pivot.  .  . this list goes on.

The conundrum is this:

Developing many difficult habits vs. one easy ancient one?

That’s why the complaint is rampant.

So next time you feel like criticizing someone for wearing rose-tinted glasses.

PAUSE.

That optimism can float someone through a few of the difficult habits.

And if that’s the case.

They can probably figure something out.

Do you have a problem?

Well if you’re looking for someone optimistic to solve it.

Then you have two.