27 thoughts on “Reality Check and Assessment of Action”

  1. Step two, the reality check is self explanatory. In the real world we are always checking if the decisions and choices we make are realistic to our environment. The reality check will determine if the decision can really be accomplished under real conditions. If the reality check fails during this process the entire process must be restarted and cannot continue any further.

    In comparison, the assessment of action can be described as reviewing the decision to pursue a course of action and determining if the correct course of action was pursued. If the action was not correct this action must be re-evaluated at this time.

    To summarize the reality check found in step two is performed before the decision to pursue an action is executed, where as the assessment of action is reviewing the choice of action for the entire process.

  2. Reality check is as it says there. The feasibility issues and whether the action can be achieved and all steps that have to be considered before we move ahead.

    The assessment is like what we call as Revision of the steps performed. We have to make sure that we hadn’t taken the wrong steps. These are already performed actions and the results of previous actions.

  4. Reality check would generally mean,checking pragmatically whether the particular chosen option is feesable or not.Where as Assessment of an action would be more towards weighing the :end result” of an action once its completed.In other words Reality check is more of making sure that a particular chosen task can be implemented or not,where as assessment of action,is done beased on the performance of end result of an action.

    • Must one be pragmatic about trying to fulfill a vision? In certain steps of the Framework, or even substeps, I think being pragmatic is warranted. However, in a certain sense being pragmatic might introduce a certain amount of inflexibility into one’s plan. After all, if I have a vision I am going to do everything in my power to achieve that and I will undoubtedly make several unreasonable and unrealistic decisions along the way.

  5. Step 2 is the reality check where we should evaluate the vision as compared to reality and what is reasonable and feasible. Step 10 is post action where we should be evaluating the results of our action and accessing the need for change or lessons learned for future actions. Step 10 is in also a look at how good was our evaluation of the circumstances at step 2. At step 10 we can see if our judgment of reality was correct or not. And if not, we should be able to use this learning to better access future feasibility for similar visions. This is kind of our feed back control also to tell us if we should think about ways to change our direction.

    In short though step 2 and 10 are in most ways accessing the same action but fomr different vantage points – pre and post.

    • When research scientists are on the leading edge of technology, I think they have a vision and a very weak idea if it is practical or feasible. The assessment phase will allow them to refine on the original vision or start a new vision based on the results. I think your statement was very well stated.

  6. Both Steps are similar insomuch that they require a person to make an “assessment” prior to proceeding on to the next step in the 12 Steps of Purposeful Action. But each Step requires a different type of “assessment”. In Step 2, the feasibility of the vision is considered. The evaluation of the results is performed in Step 10.

    If John Smith dreams of moving to a Hawaiian Island to spend his retirement days sipping cold beverages, it is essential for him to assess his life. His “reality check” would be considering his lifestyle and spending habits. He would have to have honest assessment of his family and job. Once, his plan to move and retire to a Hawaiian Island is in motion, he can evaluate his 401K and other checking accounts, to ensure he will have adequate funds when he is ready to retire.

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