Most of us have heard Dr. Phil ask, "How's that working for you?" usually after someone has described their behavior in a problem situation. The person then admits that their actions are not producing the results they want. Part of the solution then is to change or improve their behavior to produce better results. This is an example of being pragmatic, predicting the consequences, solving the problem, and taking action.
Some say this is the way to judge behavior: do what works to create the outcome. Others say what you do must first comply with standards set by what you believe is good and right established by your religion or other philosophy. Based on religion, some behaviors are considered always wrong for everyone. Pragmatists are more inclined to give each individual the right to choose their own behavior based on their situation as long as it is legal.
We may wish, hope, and pray for certain consequences, but some results are out of our control. No matter what we do, we may not be able to create the desired outcome; however, we may have more power to control the future than we realize. We have to analyze the variety of choices, consider the short and long term effects, then do whatever works.
Although we may value the opinions of others, we may need to take a fresh look at our lives and have confidence in our own opinions about what to do. We also need to allow others to form their own opinions and do what works for them. Be pragmatic.
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