002. The Stockdale Paradox (Part 1 of 3)
James Stockdale was a Vice Admiral in the Navy. During the Vietnam war, while flying on a mission, he was shot down. The enemy captured him and he was held prisoner for the next seven and a half year.
SEVEN AND A HALF YEARS!
Vice Admiral Stockdale knew something most POWs didn’t though. He had this realistic optimism about the situation. He knew that it was going to be difficult to survive and get out, but it would be worth it.
It would be difficult, but it would be worth it.
There was another group of people that were captured. These were the unrealistic optimists. They would say, “Oh we’ll be out by Christmas!” Christmas would come and go and they would still be there. Then they would say, “Oh we’ll be out by Easter!” Easter would come and go and they’d still be there. Then, they’d say, “Oh we’ll be out by Independence Day!” Independence Day would come and go, and they’d still be there.
Eventually they lost hope and died of a broken heart.
They didn’t know what James Stockdale knew. They didn’t tell themselves that it would be difficult, but it would be worth it.
It would be difficult. They didn’t know how long they were going to be there. It might’ve been 3 weeks, could have been 3 months, could’ve been 3 years. However long it was going to be, it was going to be difficult, but they would eventually get out.
And getting out would be worth it.
The same thing goes for your goals and actions. It takes as long as it takes.
Winning Championships.
Purchasing your favorite car.
Going on a “dream” vacation.
Getting that job you really want.
It will be difficult, but it will be worth it.
