Resetting Expectations

Sometimes reality is a lot different than how we dreamed it up in our head.  Our life, our relationship, our current situation.  We thought it would look like this and instead it looks a bit more like that.

And that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just different than we expected.

I was actually talking with my kid about this the other day.  He’s found himself in a situation that’s looking different than he expected and doesn't quite know what to do with it.

I did my best to listen and empathize with how frustrating and unsettling it can be when what you wanted is actually different than what you’re getting.

And then I asked him what he was going to do with it?  I got a look of confusion because we all know oftentimes you can’t change the situation you’re in and instead have to find a way to adjust.

You need to reset the expectations.

When you keep the gap VERY wide between how you thought it was going to be and how it actually is, you risk a lot.

More frustration.

More disappointment.

More angst.

But if you work to adjust what you expect, you can learn to embrace the situation for what it is.  This even applies to each other.

Let’s be honest, we are not perfect, which means we are also not always the perfect partner.  But if we adjust our expectations on our partner being our perfect match and instead really celebrate exactly who they are…good can grow there.  Or maybe you need to reset how you’re holding some areas of your life where you  want it all to look a lot glossier.  The shift may actually help you create something pretty amazing.

Adjusting the expectation means working to see what positives actually already exist.  What are the parts within the situation where you can grow and evolve even deeper?   And what are the ways you can see how this opportunity or experience can work to your advantage?  How can you create success or connection in amongst the less than perfect reality?

Know you have the power to lessen the gap between what you thought it was going to be and what it actually is.  The more you can do it with ease, the more you can enjoy what’s really right in front of  you.

It takes work but please know that keeping that gap wide leaves you open for resentment.  And no one wants that.

You got this!

~ A