If you are someone who does things differently from the norm, you might be familiar with the following question: “Are you a real [insert description here]?”. I have been asked that question a few times in relation to my way of working as an educator, as a researcher and recently in relation to supporting someone in my capacity as a healthcare provider. The recent instance made me reflect again on my practice and on my answer:
“Better than ‘real’ – realistic!”
What do I mean by that? I think as academics, researchers, supervisors and very much as healthcare professionals, we forget too often that we are only seeing a small piece of the puzzle at any one time. Being realistic about that in at least three ways is so very important.
- Realistic about what else is impacting on someone we are working with – whether that is a Masters student working on their research project, a client working to rehab an injury or someone working out a way of living with a chronic condition; the likelihood is that there are many other important things and pressures in their lives. Recognising, planning for and (if possible) addressing these other factors, means a better experience all round.
- Realistic about expectation-setting – we are all humans and our brain and body evolved to conserve energy and find the least difficult route to achieve a goal. Planning small steps that fit in easily will set everyone up for success.
- Realistic about complexity and the necessary complex, multi-pronged solutions – no one person can solve everything; making sure to bring on board as many people, professionals and whanau, to support and problem-solve is more likely to result in positive outcomes.
I could probably go on and list more ways in which being realistic is beneficial, but will leave it at that. What is your experience? Are you ‘real-istic’? In what way and how do you think this benefits the humans you are working with?