Keep Your Expectations Low, But Your Hopes High
I love HGTV and home renovation shows; they feed into my passion for decorating. Whether I'm fixing up our house or decorating an office, I like to know what the trends are, and I’d like to think that I have a good sense of style. These shows offer small snippets of relaxation when I need to rest my mind from the pressures of day-to-day life.?
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This past week, I was watching an episode of Celebrity IOU. Who doesn’t love Drew and Jonathan Scott, the Property Brothers—good Canadian boys? On this show, celebrities pay it forward to people in their lives. In this episode, Julianne and Derek Hough were giving back to their personal trainer, who was more than just a trainer but a dear friend. They talked about how his positivity radiated in all areas of life and how this individual was able to keep his chin up even when his gym closed during COVID. Not only that, but he also still helps others gain perspective on their own life challenges. When asked what his secret was, he said that he kept his expectations low but his hopes high.?
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Wow—keep your expectations low and your hopes high. Exactly!?
Most often, we feel upset or dejected when our expectations are high and someone or something does not deliver. That's when we get butterflies in our stomach, anxiety starts to develop, and overall, we become unhappy. Imagine you’re working on a project with a tight deadline and a team that has been inconsistent in the past. You might expect some challenges and setbacks, given the team's history and the project's complexity. This could mean preparing for potential delays, having contingency plans, and being ready for unexpected issues.?
At the same time, you can maintain high hopes for a successful outcome. This involves staying motivated, focusing on the positive aspects of the project, encouraging your team and believing that with effort and collaboration, you can achieve a great result.?
By managing your expectations and preparing for possible hurdles, you reduce the risk of disappointment. Yet, by nurturing your hopes and staying optimistic, you keep yourself and your team motivated to push through challenges and strive for success.?
Now, I know you're thinking, "Well, that’s easier said than done, Kam." I know—one of the biggest challenges many employers face is demotivated teams. When you are always pushing hard, it’s easy to sometimes fall into the gap. Honestly, it's a common issue that can arise in many companies over time. As leaders, it’s critical for us to foster a positive mindset while still pushing for growth. Here’s a structured approach to motivate your team effectively:?
Acknowledge Accomplishments:?
Set Realistic Expectations:?
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Encourage a Growth Mindset:?
Foster Optimism:?
Balance Expectations and Hopes:?
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By applying these strategies, you can create an environment where team members remain motivated, feel valued and are driven to grow, even when facing challenges. It’s about setting the right expectations, which aligns with the practice of gratitude. You’re building a strong culture, and as a leader, you are helping to deliver a positive mindset for growth. Who knew you could learn so much from the Property Brothers? ???