Expectations

Expectation is a belief that a certain outcome is anticipated and obvious. It is a way to predict the future based on the knowns. As human beings living in a society, we tend to extend these expectations not just to circumstances but also to people. When we look at the future based on the knowns, it leaves little to chance. 

We tend to place expectations on ourselves depending on a certain external outcome - I want to run a full marathon, or I want to go sky diving. It is fine to place these expectations on ourselves, but it is important to determine for how long, and at what cost? Many times the future we have envisioned is so large, that it takes some time to become the person who can get there. But we place such unrealistic, idealistic visions on how much pressure we can take in a day that we forget to enjoy our present moment.

Expectations show up when we think that it should be something else than what it is right now. In my experience, I have learned that things never work out in my preferred timeline. It might still happen, but never in the way that I want it to be. If anything my experience has taught me the things meant for you show up when you are ready for, and not when you think are. Sometimes even when you think something is completely in your control, it isn't. You could lose it at any moment. Life truly has a way of humbling everyone.

It's good to keep an expectation in the form of goals. There will always be something to work towards because the efforts are in our control. But the minute we work toward a specific outcome from the goals - such as fame, and glory, we will always be disappointed. Because this is an externality based on so many factors. Keep on your path, and adjust as you traverse.