Fatalists are those who believe that all events are predetermined or inevitable. Fatalists believe that hope or inspiration take us to a better reality.

Realists use facts and logic, rather than hopeful feelings and wishes, in regards to their future. Although many positive outcomes can arise from each, there are various drawbacks to consider.

So, after reading the negatives, you decide, are you a Fatalist or a Realist?

Fatalist

1. Having less motivation to reach your dream

Aspiring to reach a dream is always encouraged, but it is a major flaw when one believes they do not have to work hard to accomplish it. Even when one believes a specific path is his or her destiny, he or she must still put in a massive amount of effort to make it happen. Dreams become reality with a motivated, hard–working, mindset. It is as simple as that.

2. There is a much higher risk of disappointment

When someone sets their hopes high with a fatalistic path, he or she may become immune to hardships in the future. It can be easy to fantasize and ignore reality. To ensure your fate will follow through, it helps to open your mind to all outcomes and possibilities.

3. Control over a dream slowly slips away

You may have heard the saying “You must take fate into your own hands.” Well whoever said this did have a firm point. One must not let fate control his or her life, but instead, control fate. When control over one’s life is taken away, it can be difficult to pick up the pieces and start over.

Realist

1. Inspiration and drive is lacking

Although being realistic is considered the “safer” choice, it is not always the right choice. Someone who is a realist may not have someone or something pushing him or her to reach his or her highest dreams, and may not be hopeful for the future. Even if one does not believe in fate, there can always be something to look forward to.

2. May be too pessimistic

When one is involved in the constant habit of saying “no” to everything, he or she may get used to having a negative mindset. Even if something sounds skeptical to an individual, having a positive, open mind, may help him or her consider other ways to dream.

3. May lose respect from friends

Although telling your friends the truth is very noble, it can also be harmful if one completely knocks down another friend’s belief system. You never know, your friend may say her fate is to be the next astronaut in space, and you would not want to be the one to say no. However, it is still in your friend’s best interest to remind him or her what is attainable and what is clearly not.

So, now that you have read the negatives, do you think fate is on your side? Whether you are a fatalist, realist, or neither, it truly does not matter. What does matter is having a belief system realistic to you, and not letting anyone take it away.