No Expectations
"What are you doing this weekend?"
This simple question echoes in offices (and Zoom Rooms) at the end of every week. An innocent inquiry that can stir up a mix of emotions. In a world where expectations loom large, many of us deal with the pressure of needing to have exciting plans, take on personal projects, or excel in self-care. What if we could form a new relationship with our expectations?
The impact of expectations on our lives is not a new concept. Philosophers, psychologists, and economists have long debated the role of expectations in determining our happiness and subjective wellbeing. Some economists have even boiled this down to an equation:
Wellbeing = Reality - Expectations
Basically, a happy life is one that sheds the burden of excessive expectations. So what does that mean for us personally and at work?
How Expectations Impact Our Lives
Expectations are, in essence, a vision for how things should be. By nature, they take us away from the present moment (how things are now). Hoping for a specific outcome, envisioning how things will unfold, or holding preconceived notions of what we want from a situation can take a lot of energy and often leave us feeling disappointed when things don't turn out exactly like we imagined.
On the flip side, releasing expectations doesn't mean we don't have goals. It's simply the act of acknowledging how things are now. We don't have to like it, but when we learn to pay attention to our present reality, it can help us embrace and even find joy and insight in the unexpected.
Living without expectations allows us to cultivate a mindset of openness and flexibility. When we hold on too tightly to how we think things should be, we limit our ability to adapt to new circumstances. By accepting the present moment without being fixated on an outcome, we become more receptive to alternative paths that we might have otherwise overlooked. This newfound adaptability grants us the freedom to explore uncharted territories, enabling personal growth in the face of life's uncertainties.
The Role of Expectations at Work
Of course, we need to have expectations in the workplace. However, studies show that unrealistic expectations lead to burnout and turnover and are often responsible for leaders failing to meet company goals.
Actually, learning to challenge our assumptions and understand our biases can lead to increased performance, equity, and satisfaction. By fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing expectations openly, teams can gain valuable insights into potential areas for improvement, leading to more realistic expectations and, ultimately, a healthier and more productive work culture.
Recognizing the impact of expectations in the workplace and embracing a more open and present approach can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling work environment. By encouraging open discussions about expectations, companies can tap into the potential of their employees and create a workforce that is more adaptable, resilient, and grateful for the opportunities presented.
Releasing the grip of rigid expectations allows individuals to find joy and purpose in their work, leading to a better sense of well-being and increased overall satisfaction in both their personal and professional lives.
Dive into the Psychology of Uncertainty
Letting Go of the Need to Know
Feel like expectations are dragging your team down? Check out our latest Wellbeing Workshop, Letting Go of the Need to Know, by viewing the full Wellbeing Workshop Menu below.
