The Weight of Expectations: How Letting Go Can Be a Gamechanger
Nick Elston
Keynote, Conference & Event Speaker ?? | Award Winning Mental Health Engagement ?? | Transformational Speaking Coach ?? | Founder @ Forging People ?? | Unique L&D for People Leaders ?? | 'Go Pro' Speaker Strategist ??
Expectations—they shape our view of the world, influencing our mental health, relationships, and everyday interactions. Often, we set the bar high, not only for ourselves but also for those around us. We expect others to understand us, to respond in certain ways, to meet the standards we’ve imagined. But what happens when these expectations aren’t met? Disappointment, frustration, and a toll on our mental well-being. Moreover, failing to meet our own lofty expectations can lead to a spiral of self-doubt, affecting our self-esteem and triggering feelings of imposter syndrome.?
Letting go of these expectations can transform our lives. When we release the pressure we put on others and ourselves, we open the door to more authentic experiences and genuine happiness. This shift in perspective invites less stress and more acceptance, allowing us to connect more deeply with others and ourselves.
Three Tips to Manage Your Expectations:
This post was inspired by Gary John Bishop’s "Unf*ck Yourself," this reflection on expectations invites us to challenge how we think and interact with the world. Dropping our expectations isn’t about lowering standards—it’s about setting ourselves free. I found this truly liberating - I hope that you do too!
'Til next time...
Cheers Nick ??
I help future stars in leadership understand and improve their mindset to be better, more confident leaders.
6 个月Nick great article, makes me think of the happiness equation from Mo Gawdat, I won't get it spot on but its something like, happiness is where your expectations and reality meet or are equal to one another.