Expectations. We all have them. Good or bad, they exist. Today, I want us to consider our expectations of ourselves and those around us. “Expectations are resentments waiting to happen” is one of my favorite quotes. So much truth in that simple statement. How often have you been disappointed by someone not meeting an expectation that they didn’t even know you had placed on them?
Here’s the thing friends, it is completely unfair and unproductive to place expectations on people and not communicate that to them. Be mature enough, and respect yourself and other people enough to communicate your expectations clearly.
As humans, we tend to use sarcasm or manipulation to get what we want rather than simply asking for it. If we are honest with ourselves that’s a toddlers mentality. Toddlers cry, throw fits and punish with silence when they don’t get what they want. But anyone who has ever been around a toddler knows half the time you don’t even understand what they want. Let’s treat each other better than toddlers do.
On the other end of expectation, lies appreciation. Look for opportunities today to appreciate someone’s effort, even if it falls short of your expectation of them. Thank and encourage people. A lot of us rise to the level of encouragement we receive; being appreciated and praised motivates a lot of people. Both appreciation and disappointment set an atmosphere around you; one feeds people, the other drains them. Be cognizant of what you’re feeding people, it matters, and will set the tone for your interactions.
So here’s my challenge for you today. Evaluate your expectations of yourself and others. Are they realistic? Can they be obtained? Are there things you need to let go of? If you feel they are all of the above, communicate them to your person. I promise you, if they love and respect you, they want to meet or exceed every expectation you have. But they can’t meet an expectation they are unaware of. Also, look for opportunities to appreciate, rather than correct. It will make a noticeable difference in your relationships.
