“Expectation is the root of all heartache” – William Shakespeare
This is one of my all-time favorite quotes. Probably less surprising if you know what a Shakespeare nut I am, but I remember hearing it back in high school and it just resonated. I’m not a person that quotes movie lines or authors, but this one has stuck with me.
Last week I went to look at an apartment for the first time since the pandemic made it impossible to do so. I made a cross country move the end of March. From South Orange County, California to South Florida. The move had already been planned for months. The corona virus clearly was not in my plans. Finally, being able to go see an apartment was exciting. I had expectations. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met. I left disappointed and frankly a little bit dejected. I had to regroup and adjust.
HOW IT APPLIES TO YOU
Many of you have recently returned to racing. Things look really different than the last time you were at the track. New protocols, new safety measures, and no fans. You have certain expectations on a regular race weekend. Those have to be adjusted as you experience each new race weekend. Routines may have to change. All of this requires the need to be somewhat flexible in both your approach and your mindset.
I HAVE NO EXPECTATIONS
First of all, bullshit. We all know the guy that has posted this on his social or made the comment to a group of friends. If it’s you, let me be the first to call you out. Everyone has expectations. It’s perfectly normal and healthy to have them. As long as they are healthy expectations. This goes for both your personal and professional life. Racing or romance, expectations exist and learning how to effectively manage yours can change your life.
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR OWN EXPECTATIONS
Here are couple great ways you can start to work on your own expectations which will in turn impact how you interact with others as a result:
1. ACKNOWLEDGE THEM -
If you recognize your expectations are simply that, expectations, not hard fast rules that
other people need to live by it will help you to stop judging other people for not
following your “rules”. This will also allow you to be more flexible as things come up that do not fit your existing expectations.
2. BE OPEN -
Try having an honest discussion with someone you’ve been struggling with. A
significant other, a team member, a friend. You will be shocked how quickly issues
resolve when people have an honest and open conversation. Be the brave one and
go first.
EXERCISE FOR GROWTH
In the action steps above I detailed how being open and starting a dialogue can be the fuel that resolves an issue. The thing is, you have to start the conversation. In this exercise for growth I want you to approach a conversation you have been avoiding and commit to making that first
Let me know if this was helpful! I'd love to hear how you are applying this in your own life. If you want help, click the "schedule call" button and book your free 30 minute call today.
Comments