Have you ever built up experiences, a person, or a situation in your mind so much so that when you have the experience, meet the person or go through the situation, you realize your expectation did not match reality?
And don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t mean the reality is worse–often, we find it better. But no matter the outcome, we judge the situation, analyze it and decide how we will move forward because of our unmet expectations.
Recently, as you all know, I just celebrated my birthday, and it was terrific. I spent time with my family, receiving cards and birthday wishes, and it was good. I mean it's really good to know that I am loved and valued by family, friends, and clients. To know that my presence here on earth is impacting others is rewarding and humbling.
And then, in the midst of my gratitude. I asked myself, “What else can I do?’ It was the question of more. This is the question that proceeds our expectations and judgment. It is the rating question. Is this good enough? Is the situation meeting the mark? Am I meeting the mark–therein lies our expectations.
Expectations are “a strong belief that something will or will not happen.”
And they believe in whether we “will or will not achieve something.” However, belief in the best outcome doesn't mean we are tied to the result. Expectations are to propel us forward, not bind us to how things are going to happen. When we are bound to how something looks, we put parameters on our dreams. When we put all of our hopes and dreams into outcomes–we don’t leave room for growth, opportunity, and connection.
It means we are hoping and dreaming for a future that helps us realize our best selves (family, life, experiences), hopes, and dreams.
So, as I come to the end of a month-long celebration, it has been a blast! My expectation is not in what will happen next but, in the experience, I choose to take into this new year.
DEEPER CONNECTION: Join me tomorrow, Aug 24, 2022, on Clubhouse in my club, ‘Find Your Happy,’ at 7:15 a.m. EST for our Midweek Reset where we’re talking about overcoming adversity.
Want to chat? I’m always here. Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 call with me and we can talk about happiness, stress, overcoming expectations, or anything you’re needing to get through.
Today, let’s ask ourselves one way we can overcome an expectation we have of ourselves and instead turn it into an imperfect reality that brings us joy.
Light & Love
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