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JIMINY SELF-HELP HANDBOOK 17

You get creativity by You get pragmatic by
directing the energy of directing the energy of
your attention up and your attention down
wide and tight

Pragmatism emphasises logic and rationality, encourages specific thinking and turning ideas into
reality. For this to happen we will need to narrow down the frames of reference, leaving no space for
things that are not relevant. The key is to focus the attention on concrete details of what has to be
done.

A pragmatic person is often associated to someone that has a strong personality, and which is
characterised by having a logical and analytical mindset, be strategic and a good time planner, take
action and achieve goals for own benefit.
Like creative thinking, pragmatism can also be developed, by tracking and using a number of methods
in our life:

 Logic conclusion – applied to all tasks and goals, starting with those that are smaller
 Time management - keeping a diary/agenda of to dos to be more efficient
 Goals set – planning short and long-term goals, defining deadlines, tools for implementation, a list
of contacts of people who may be useful
 Step-by-step - crushing large tasks into small steps
 Self-discipline – following the daily plan, identifying distracting factors and eliminating them
 Self-reinvention - conformity is the silent enemy of pragmatism
 Emotions - developing calmness and positivity
The common mantra of the pragmatic thinker is that “truth is whatever works.” And this can be a very
helpful way, because avoids us to over-thinking, keeping us grounded in real market opportunities and
guiding our action to desirable results.