Caution Your Expectation!

Expectations are great and having high expectations are even greater but if ones expectations are not properly managed and cautioned, they can bring with them some unbearable and unexpected consequences. At one point or the other, many of us (if not all) must have had an expectation about something. We understand what it feels like to be expectant even if it is as informal/little as expecting a friend's visit or formal/great as expecting a presidential visit. Whatever kind of expectations,  one common thing is the desire for such expectations to be met. Unfortunately, most of us never achieve our exact expectations about life primarily because they are often very high, difficult to achieve and unrealistic.

While growing up (in my teenage years) I had beautiful expectations about life, I wanted to graduate from the University at a particular age, have a glorious and  lucrative job, I wanted numerous investments, I wanted so many great achievements at an early age, in-short I had very high expectations. I know I am not alone, most of us might have had similar expectations while growing up. Sincerely, they are admirable expectations, but how realistic are they for most of us. We struggle to achieve these high expectations and when they end up unachieved, we feel a subtle or harsh defeat that sometimes end in frustration. While some are able to pick up the rubbles of their failed expectations and aim for a more achievable and fulfilling life, many are unable to manage their fall, they continue to live with the pains of their failed attempts. Some give up totally on life and settle for whatsoever (good or bad) life throws at them. Some others live bitter and aggressive lives, some go to the extreme to engage in socially unacceptable ways to achieve their expectations and some at the very extreme feel so worthless and end their own life. 

Now, do not get me wrong, having expectations, facing challenges and even embracing very high expectations are great. However, we most never become so absorbed with these expectations and the desire to  achieve them without also considering the possibility that they may never be achieved. Be cautioned, don't be overwhelmed by the desire to attain all possible height. Be ready to deal with failed expectations. Be prepared for the realities of life. Trust me, you don't want to be caught unaware!!!

Finally, to properly caution whatever expectations we hope to achieve is to develop realistic expectations. Make an adequate plan towards achieving your expectations, leave room for contingency, develop resilience and be flexible. If after you have taken all possible precautions and your expectations still seem to be failing, do not be too hard on yourself, it is not always your fault! The world will not remain in the same state all through from the time of developing an expectation through to the time such expectation is to be achieved. This is because in our world 'change' is the only constant thing and this 'change' can positively or negatively affect our expectations about life. At such weak point, remain optimistic about life and trade your failing expectations for appreciation. Appreciate how far you have gone and afterwards develop better ways of achieving what is left.

whatever your expectations are, they are things you have not seen but you hope for them.

 "but if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience" Roman 8:25