As we strive for great things, there's something important you need to remember …
Setting goals is NOT the same as setting expectations.
Those two things might seem similar, but only one of them helps you get ahead, while the other sets you up for disappointment.
Here's the difference …
Expectations are just assumptions
We've mentioned before about the power of imagination and becoming what you think.
But that's not the same as expecting something to happen.
Having an expectation, for yourself or others, is an assumption that it will happen, regardless of the effort you put into it or the motivations behind it. You're just assuming. And when things don't go as you assumed, it throws you. You get angry, frustrated, defensive. You enter a place of negativity.
That's totally different from not achieving a goal, which you've worked toward.
To put it simply … Goals are something you strive for. Expectations are assumptions that generally serve no purpose but to feed your ego.
Here’s an example …
When you expect a "thanks" or recognition of good deeds …
The worst kinds of expectations are those that you expect from other people …
Let's say you've planned a huge surprise party for a friend. You go above and beyond to make it AMAZING. But in the end, your friend's reaction wasn't as grateful as you'd expected. You barely got a "thanks" at the end of the night.
Even though the party was great and everyone had a good time, you leave feeling annoyed and unappreciated.
That is a selfish mindset.
When you push your expectations onto someone else, you ignore that person's own situation – and you create obstacles to enjoying the moment. You sabotage yourself.
Be content with doing the right thing – no expectations!
To do big things, you need to be motivated by the act of doing a good deed without worrying what other people think.
Strive for your biggest goals without the fear of judgment if you fail.
Don't expect rewards or recognition for what you're doing. Just do it and move on.
The only way to avoid the trap of disappointment and negativity is to aim high but have zero expectations for what happens next.