Stop Arguing with Reality!

“When I argue with reality, I lose – but only 100% of the time.”

This is one of my favourite Bryon Katie quotes.

I found myself arguing with reality recently and losing. I’ve set a new running goal for 2025. I was excited to get started and start following my running plan.

But then… life happened. I got sick.

My plan to increase my weekly mileage? Out the window. Not only could I not ramp things up, but I couldn’t run at all. Zero. Nada. As the days passed, I found myself stewing—complaining in my mind, feeling sorry for myself, and even getting jealous as I watched my daughter happily head out the door in her running shoes.

And here’s the kicker: I stayed sick and now I felt frustrated.

This is exactly what happens when we argue with reality. We resist what is. We tell ourselves the situation shouldn’t be this way, that someone or something should be different. And in doing so, we not only lose the argument but also rob ourselves of peace and clarity.

For me, this experience was a powerful reminder. Yes, I couldn’t run for a week. But by resisting that truth—by arguing with reality—I also denied myself the chance to rest, recover, and maybe even enjoy some downtime. Instead, I let frustration and resentment creep in, all because I was clinging to how I thought things “should” be.

Where in your life or business are you arguing with reality?

Maybe it’s wishing you had more time, feeling frustrated about the results you’re seeing, or wanting someone to act differently. Whatever it is, consider this: What would your life look like if you stopped?

If you accepted the reality of your situation as it is—not as you wish it were—how much energy could you free up to focus on what you can control?

For me, it meant shifting my perspective. I stopped fixating on what I couldn’t do and started appreciating what I could—like taking it slow, focusing on rest, and knowing that my goal will still be there when I’m ready.

When we embrace reality instead of fighting it, we gain clarity, calm, and the freedom to move forward. So, take a deep breath, stop arguing with what is, and ask yourself: What’s the next best step I can take?