08/03/2025
EXPECTATIONS – BALANCE is THE KEY
We all have expectations. Expectations of ourselves, wives/husbands, partners, friends, family, colleagues, teammates and many others. I would not be surprised if, as you begin to read this blog, you have an expectation as to what value you may get out of it. Expectations inherently have a lot of power over the course and quality of our lives and, no doubt, the lives of others.
The foundation of your expectations begins every morning, either positively or negatively. Which is it – “No doubt today will be like yesterday, painful” or “despite the challenges that yesterday brought, today is going to be one of take that sports lovers.” Both could become a reality. The bottom line is that you are in control of your expectations.
However, there is a key basic when it comes to expectations – they have to be realistic when setting them.
EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT INSULAR.
Our expectations of others who are in our different circles can have a dynamic effect on them, be they positive or negative.
Your expectations of any individual may be too high. The consequence of this is that you could feel let down. On the other hand, that same person can feel very negative about themselves. A feeling of “Will I ever be able to please him/her?” can have a very negative effect. By the same token, our expectations of any individual can have a hugely positive effect. They exceed the expectations you had of them. You are able to congratulate them and encourage them to raise their bar even higher. They go away feeling confident and with high self-esteem.
I mentioned earlier that a key basic of expectations is balance. Why? One of the consequences of setting expectations to high is stress and in some cases, depression.
We live in a world where success is judged on financial success. High expectations are more than often a manner of trying to control results and other individuals, which can raise stress levels and bring on mood swings. Little things, some inconsequential, begin to irritate you. Some even become obsessive in behaviour, with an abnormal focus on detail. Dissatisfaction, frustration and guilt can present themselves. When resentment enters the fray, it could be because you are expecting far to much of others.
Is having high expectations an indication of self-confidence? It certainly reflects self-belief and self-worth. One problem. Far too many do not expect a positive out-comes because they are expecting an exact out-come
DO HIGH EXPECTATIONS CAUSE LOW MOODS?
Yes.
Life throws us challenges – that is a given. When these challenges “arrive,” avoid trying to force an unrealistic outcome, which can lead to much disappointment. Living under the notion that you control everything can lead to self-blame and harsh self-criticism. In some instances, one of the consequences of this can be anxiety, even extreme anxiety, whilst another consequence can be depression.
In closing, set high expectations of yourself, however, always have as the foundation, balance and realism.
I am the person who guides and assist clients like you in overcoming the challenges you may face be they personal, business, or even at times family, with zero bu****it.
How? Experience, something money cannot buy, it has to be earned.
“Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” You do not have to walk alone.
There are those who dream of their life and those who make their life a dream.”
Passion thrives when given a purpose
Keynote Speaker, High-Performance Personal/Business Development Coach
@ Keep Talking To Neil
“I dream my painting, then I paint my dream.” Vincent van Gogh
+27 (0) 833212260
email: [email protected]
Web: www.keeptalking2.co.za
Skype: neil.minnaar
Somerset West, Cape Province, South Africa
Neil's Coaching Mentoring Program, Hello, is it me you're looking for?, Wheel of Life Chart, Goal Setting, Time Management, Enhancing Your Imagination
