Don't let expectations ruin your day

Setting high expectations will allow you to achieve something great even when you don’t make it. Is that the case, or are you just consuming a recipe for unhappiness? Instead of clinging to (high) expectations, consider setting daily intentions—a subtle but powerful shift that can transform your approach to everything you do.

The Power of Intentions

Intentions are Personal and Flexible: When you set an intention, you focus on your desires and the type of day you want to create. Unlike expectations, which are often tied to specific outcomes, intentions are about how you wish to approach your day.

Intentions Foster a Process-Oriented Mindset: Intentions emphasize the process rather than the outcome. By focusing on how you engage with your tasks and interactions, you stay present and engaged in the moment.

Intentions Promote Emotional Resilience: Life is unpredictable, and things often don’t go as planned. By setting intentions, you cultivate a mindset of flexibility and adaptability.

The Pitfalls of Expectations

Expectations Focus on Outcomes: Expectations are about predicting specific results or behaviours from yourself or others. They are often rigid and can lead to disappointment when reality doesn’t align with your predictions.

Expectations are Beyond Your Control: Unlike intentions, expectations often involve factors outside your control. You can’t control how others respond or the various external factors that might impact your plans.

Expectations Create Rigidity: When you’re fixated on specific outcomes, you become less adaptable to change.

Shifting from Expectations to Intentions

Focus on What You Can Control: Intentions are grounded in your actions, mindset, and approach — within your control. By setting intentions, you empower yourself to handle whatever comes your way with grace and poise.

Cultivate Flexibility and Adaptability: Intentions allow for flexibility. If circumstances change, you can adjust your actions while staying true to your intention. For example, if you intend to remain focused but face interruptions, you can adapt by managing the interruptions while maintaining your focus.

Embrace a Growth Mindset: Setting intentions fosters a growth mindset. You become more open to learning from your experiences and adjusting your approach. This mindset shift helps you view challenges as growth opportunities rather than setbacks.