If you’re a Charles Dickens reader, you know that having high expectations can result in house fires and being hunted by escaped prisoners. In real life, the repercussions are usually more subtle, yet you can be happier and more successful when you manage your expectations.
Psychologists feel that aiming high while being flexible and realistic is the most effective method.
Try these suggestions for having high expectations while turning losses into wins.
Manage Your Expectations
1. Differentiate Between Goals and Expectations.
You can wish to lose 30 pounds or buy a new car without letting such events determine your pleasure.
Work with whatever situations arise. Acceptance and curiosity should take the place of disappointment.
2. Forget About the Past.
The majority of our assumptions are based on prior experience.
Examine your former behaviors and make deliberate decisions about how you want to conduct your life.
3. Raise the Standard.
Ambitious goals push you to work harder. You hone your talents and rack up accomplishments that boost your self-esteem.
You know you’re making progress even if it takes more than one attempt.
4. Enjoy the Buildup.
Another perk of achieving success is that it provides you with a lot to look forward to.
When you remember the rewards, you are inspired to put out your best efforts.
5. Be Practical.
Simultaneously, keeping your goals and expectations realistic decreases stress.
Recognize your own qualities and capabilities. Determine the resources you have available.
How to Manage Your Expectations
1. Express Yourself Clearly.
Hidden assumptions can make determining the genuine expectations of others, as well as our own, difficult. Pay close attention and ask probing questions.
2. Begin Early.
There’s a reason why massive campaigns hold pre-kickoff meetings and firms train new employees.
It is much easier to agree on expectations at the outset rather than trying to address issues after someone has been disappointed.
3. Rethink Setbacks.
When faced with less-than-ideal outcomes, keep calm and give yourself a pep talk.
Consider earlier ordeals that helped you grow stronger.
4. Make Contingency Plans.
When you’ve already planned a diversion route, temporary bumps in the road won’t seem so bad.
Prepare for potential problems by anticipating them.
5. Embrace Change.
Are your expectations up to date with the times?
Check to see if you’re saving enough for your retirement years and if you have the newest certifications to flourish in your professional sector.
6. Determine Your Priorities.
Exceeding expectations can be a good move if it aids in acquiring a new customer.
Or when it provides your family with a vacation, they will remember it for the rest of their lives.
On the other hand, good enough is sometimes sufficient.
You may feel less pressured if you serve salad and sandwiches for dinner on Monday nights instead of making a hot meal.
7. Capitalize on Opportunities.
Managing expectations can be exceptionally satisfying when your hard effort pays off better than you expected.
Perhaps your pastime will blossom into a thriving small business, or perhaps you will meet your future spouse on a blind date.
Take advantage of your good fortune and share it with others.
8. Negotiate Deftly.
Even if you are confident in your expectations, you may need to modify them to accommodate others.
Try to be patient and establish goodwill while avoiding unreasonable expectations.
Make Your Future Bright!
You can manage your expectations when setting lofty goals without having any unrealistic assumptions.
Recognize that you can learn and grow in every situation.
Even if it differs from your current view, your future will appear brighter.
