#12 What Are You Expecting?

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Have you ever stopped to consider how your expectations shape your reality? From the standards we set for ourselves to the unspoken rules we create for others, expectations function as powerful forces that determine our happiness, relationships, and life outcomes.

In this episode, we dive into the three dimensions where expectations exercise their greatest influence. First, we examine how our expectations of ourselves can either propel us toward growth or crush us under the weight of perfectionism. The key distinction? Setting high standards for our efforts rather than our outcomes.

We then explore the concept of "manuals" – those unwritten rulebooks we create for how others should behave to make us feel secure or happy. These expectations often lead to disappointment and manipulation, as we attempt to control what's fundamentally uncontrollable: other people's choices. Through practical examples from marriage, parenting, and friendships, you'll learn to identify where your expectations might be causing unnecessary friction in your relationships.

Perhaps most fascinating is how our expectations of the world function as self-fulfilling prophecies. What we expect tends to manifest – not through magic, but through the concrete ways our expectations shape our decisions, attitudes, and actions. Someone expecting career success makes different choices than someone expecting failure, and these choices compound over time.

The good news? Once we recognize how our expectations function, we can intentionally shape them to create healthier relationships and more fulfilling lives. You'll come away with practical strategies for developing realistic expectations without settling for mediocrity, assuming good intentions from others, and opening yourself to possibilities that exceed your imagination.

Whether you're struggling with perfectionism, frustration in relationships, or disappointment with life circumstances, this episode offers compassionate insight and practical wisdom to help you align your expectations with reality while maintaining hope in what's possible.

https://calendly.com/smurph923-sm/free-mini-session

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