In this world, there is no perfect yardstick by which everything can be measured. To achieve a successful life, we must ground ourselves in reality. Success does not favor those who chase dreams built on illusions. Often, people experience setbacks because they fail to distinguish between the ideal and the achievable.
Think of life as a river journey: while the dream of navigating a perfectly calm and straight channel may be alluring, the actual path is full of twists, rapids, and shifting currents. Those who cling to the fantasy of a flawless course often find themselves capsized, unprepared for the turbulence. To sail successfully, one must read the waters, adjusting the sails and steering wisely, rather than longing for a river that doesn’t bend.
Imagine a ship navigating the vast ocean. If the captain sets course towards a horizon, believing they can reach the place where the sky meets the sea, they will sail endlessly, chasing an illusion. The horizon, much like our ideals, is a guide but never a destination. A wise captain knows to set a course based on practical landmarks, not an unreachable point in the distance. Similarly, those who aspire for success must learn to align their goals with what can truly be accomplished rather than what they wish was possible.
In the same way, approaching life with a realistic mindset is like planting seeds in fertile soil, while unrealistic expectations are like trying to cultivate a garden on barren rock. Without adjusting to the true nature of the land, no amount of watering or wishing will bring growth. Thus, distinguishing between what is ideal and what is truly possible becomes the key to not just surviving but thriving, understanding that perfection is a direction. It is about understanding that perfection serves as a guidepost, not a final goal.