I’m reading Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great. He talks about the Stockdale Paradox. It’s based on Admiral Stockdale who survived 8 brutal years as a prisoner of war. It is this:

“Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, and, at the same time, confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”

When Stockdale was asked who didn’t make it, he replied, “The optimists!” The optimists believed they would be freed by Christmas. But then Christmas would come and go. Then they believed they’d be freed by Easter. But Easter would come and go. Then Thanksgiving. When Christmas rolled around again they died of a broken heart.

My TLS friends: I commend you for living within this paradox and sharing your struggles with us.

I’m happy to be here with you.