A friend and I spoke about expectations. Whenever we embark on any endeavor great or small it is important to consider the expectations you have for the event. What do you expect? How might you meet your expectations?
Then when expectations went awry recently, I also thought about promises I make or don't make to myself. To meet expectations, I promised myself I would complete a number of tasks, yet when I broke that promise, expectations were unmet. There's a connection between the promises you make to yourself and the expectations you have--the two work hand in hand when it comes to meeting your expectationsa and the expectations of others.
How might we navigate apt promises and good expectations--what can we do?
First, make time to think about the expectations you have for any event great or small. It may even be helpful to write those expectations down. Recentlly for a family event, my top priority was a shared meal for all attending the event. I shared that expectations with everyone there, and we did make that expectation come true. I also promised myself I'd do what I needed to do to enjoy the event and I fulfilled my promises. The event was a success. Of course, sometimes successful events are beyond your control, but if you do what you can to make events and endeavors successful, you have a greater chance of reaching that success.
On the other hand, for another event, I didn't make the time to think about expectations. I jumped into the event and in the end, I was somewhat disappointed. A few minor changes in the event plans and a bit more intention would have shifted that event to be much more successful than it was. It was a small matter, but in hindsight, I wish I made the time to think it through and take the small event more seriously because every event great or small matters when it comes to overall happiness and success.
So with many events and endeavors ahead, I'll build in that time to acknowledge the expectations we all have for the events and then make a few promises to myself to do what it takes to fulfill those expectations as much as I can. Onward.