Mastering Your Own Expectations
Speak of What You Want
There are two ways to address expectations. The first is what we expect from others. The second are the expectations we place on ourselves. Throughout my life’s journey I have discovered when ever I place my expectations on others, I am frequently disappointed. I wonder why I didn’t receive a thank you note, why someone didn’t reciprocate for something I did, or I question someone’s lack of appreciation after giving of myself on their behalf. When I operate from a place of expectation, I set myself up for disappointment. Every time I repeat the pattern I get the same result. Perhaps, there is a lesson I’m overlooking.
If, on the other hand, I hold myself accountable for the expectations I place on myself, I take full responsibility for my actions. It doesn’t matter if others are noticing. Setting high standards makes every day worth the continuous effort. By committing to constant and never ending improvement, I increase my self-worth, my self-esteem, and my self-confidence. I become my own best example of what is possible!
Our limitations and success are based for the most part, on the expectations we place upon ourselves. What we focus on manifests in our lives. In other words, what we confidently expect becomes our own selffulfilling prophecy. The only way you can accomplish anything is to believe in yourself and your abilities. In order to win, you must expect to win; your actions in life produce abundance in life. When you look for results from any where outside of yourself, you are setting yourself up to be let down. You are the primary cause for your results. The choices you make, in effect, produce the outcome.
Martial Artist, Bruce Lee, said of expectations, “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” What a relief to live life knowing that the only person for whom we are responsible is our self! I have to constantly remind myself that I do what I do, not because of what I expect from others, but rather, because I set my own standard of expectation. I expect to give and play all out. I expect positive results to happen because of my effort. We advance in our journey to the degree that we accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. Our reward comes from within ~ a job done well, or an obstacle you’ve overcome. Be a master of your own expectations and you’ll be too busy to wonder whether anyone is noticing. Surprises generally happen when you least expect them. Someone will recognize and acknowledge your accomplishment.
