Expectations are kinda like obstacles to enjoying what is. When you don’t place them on things and people, you realize you can’t be disappointed because you haven’t had any expectations to begin with. Talk about freeing, right?! Just think about it.
On Valentine’s Day, did you have it in your mind that your significant other, or some anonymous admirer, was going to send you flowers like the 100 or more beautifully placed sunflowers Kylie Jenner received and spammed us with all over social media? But instead you got a mixed bouquet of flowers from the grocery store.
Or maybe you were dreaming of a get away from the hustle and bustle with your partner for the weekend. Get away to enjoy some peace and quiet, some uninterrupted reading, lots of serious sexy time and even maybe actual sleep. Then all of a sudden you are surprised with a weekend away to the mountains! But it’s with another couple who is known to fight and argue constantly! You’re still excited at the prospect of a get-away, but then, as the minutes begin rapidly flowing by, it sets in. Those pesky expectations begin flooding over.
The reality is, this situation means no reading, not sleeping well and definitely no sexy time. Full disclosure this actually happened to me. Yep! Which means the one time I actually got away, it felt like it didn’t even happen. So right there immediately, instead of being appreciative of my husband trying to do something special, my head got in the way leaving me disappointed at everything. And did I mention we had to drive back home in a blizzard and I thought we were going to die! Yep! That also happened. Obviously, we made it home safely, but it also made me realize how I totally set myself and my husband up for disappointment before it ever even was a possibility. Stuff happens. Life happens. You’ve got to deal with it and stop placing those expectations on yourself and others.
Here's are some tips on how to live a life without expectations:
Learn to become aware of those expectations. ...
Stop wanting to be right all the time. ...
Absolutely have no expectationsof others. ...
Stop comparing yourself to others. ...
Really focus on process goals instead of outcome goals. ...
Try to be open to changes and possibilities. ...
And then allow others to manage their expectationsof you.