Emotional Safety Net Strategies #3 - The Great expectations

Expectations seems to be the root of many issues and we know its not ideal to set expectations from other but we still do it, Why?

As per studies the reasoning is expectations from others are a natural part of human relationships and interactions. Society has established norms and roles that dictate how people should behave in various relationships. For example, people expect parents to care for their children, friends to be supportive, and colleagues to be cooperative. Additional reasons could also be :

• Emotional Needs: People have emotional needs such as love, validation, support, and understanding. They often expect those close to them, like family and friends, to fulfill these needs.

• Past Experiences: Previous experiences shape expectations. If someone has been reliable and supportive in the past, it is natural to expect similar behavior in the future.

• Personal Standards and Values: Individuals have their own set of standards and values that guide their expectations of others. If someone values honesty highly, they will expect others to be honest with them.

While having expectations is natural, it's important to manage them to avoid disappointment and maintain healthy relationships. Communicating openly, being flexible, and understanding that everyone has limitations can help in managing expectations effectively.

Reducing expectations can be a valuable skill, especially when it comes to managing disappointment and maintaining a positive outlook. Here are some strategies to help you lower your expectations:

1. Focus on Realism:

• Evaluate your expectations and ask yourself if they are realistic. Consider factors such as time, resources, and circumstances when setting expectations.

• Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Set realistic, attainable goals that align with your capabilities and resources.

• Limit exposure to unrealistic expectations portrayed in media or social circles. Surround yourself with supportive and understanding individuals who encourage realistic perspectives.
  

2. Practice Acceptance:

• Accept that not everything will go exactly as planned or imagined. Embrace the uncertainty of outcomes and be open to different possibilities.

3. Communicate Openly:

• Communicate your expectations openly and honestly with others, but be flexible and willing to negotiate or compromise when necessary.
  

• View disappointments as opportunities for growth and learning. Reflect on what went wrong, identify lessons learned, and use them to adjust your expectations moving forward.
  

By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can cultivate a more realistic and resilient mindset, allowing you to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease and contentment.