When to use it
Use it during a prolonged difficult period, such as a long restructure or job search.
How to apply it
- Write down the hard facts of your situation without softening them.
- Separately write the long-term outcome you are confident you can reach.
- Drop any deadline-based optimism, such as 'it will all be fine by Christmas'.
- Set actions based on the facts, not on hope.
- Review the facts each week and adjust the plan without abandoning the end goal.
Tip: Collins noted it was the optimists with fixed deadlines who struggled most when those deadlines passed.