Great Expectations: Obtainable or a Pipe Dream?

Written by Teena Rose, a certified and published resume writer with Resume to Referral (http://www.resumebycprw.com) and author to "Designs & Job-search Strategies for College Grads" (published by Career Epublications).

Expectation can easily be defined as “what a person expects,” or what reward is that person forecasting as a result of their labor. We’ve all heard the phrase, “we don’t always get what we want,” but is that true? Forecasting, setting goals, or working to achieve short and long-term goals are sometimes more difficult than the task itself. After all, if we work hard to obtain an item, then that item should be obtainable…right?

Falsely expecting a quick return when reaching for the moon and stars is much different than reaching for something as close as a kitchen table. This type of expectation can cause a person to lose hope, falling obliviously into a pit of pessimism.

The ability to mentally perceive the moon and stars can be reached will allow a person to move past false expectations onto a positive path heading straight for the obtainable goals.

How does one avoid setting unobtainable expectations? There are a number of ways a person can reach due rewards by setting strategic goals designed to achieve the “master plan.

Set realistic short and long-term goals. Setting practical goals cannot only keep pessimism at bay but can also allow for progression and positive growth. Think of the smaller goals as local games and the larger goals as a championship. Winning smaller games are wonderful feats that will eventually lead to larger games designed to recognize you as a champion.

Avoid the “what’s in it for me” syndrome. Start-up companies fall into this pit more so than individuals. Networking and business groups require participation much like other forms of marketing. Sales professionals will be the first to tell you identifying the customer’s needs should be top priority, along with helping them solve their problems. Consider “making the sale” or “calculating revenue” an afterthought.

Expecting an unrealistic goal. Some mental health professionals have noted a number of individuals possess an internal “destroyer,” designed to sabotage success. Think of this inner conscious as something that constantly says negative statements that causes second-guessing and breeding doubt. This little voice can provoke a person to set unobtainable or unrealistic goals.

Positive association. Successful people dine, party, and vacation with other positive and successful people. By connecting with others of the same mindset, a person’s expectations can be obtained with the help of others. Consider a group of encouraging people as a “cheering section” in the bleachers – RARARA!

Pessimism vs. Optimism: The Societal War. As a society, pessimism is spreading like a bad disease brought on by the inability to no longer trust a person or believe their words. The debate over whether the glass is half-empty or half-full will no longer be an issue while pessimism controls our society.

Business owners start out with a huge helping of optimism, but soon develop the symptoms of pessimism after receiving the 50th NSF check or calling on open balances that should have been paid months ago.

On the flip side, consumers are becoming displeased with even the simplest of products or services in their everyday lives – always wanting more without having to pay an additional fee. Individuals are quick to speak their opinion about the problems facing society but not actually wanting to participate in the solution.

Optimism is not only the attitude a person should possess to ensure expectations are met, but this should be a characteristic fed to society – by the truckload. Unlike pessimism, optimism will help a person achieve and obtain all short and long-term goals regardless of difficulty level.

Of course, positive expectations are factual and obtained every day, while false expectations are a product of planning problems or because life occasionally throws a “curve ball.” By planning strategically, remaining positive, affiliating with others who will be assets (not liabilities), your mental well-being can significantly increase life quality, hence allowing for and achieving great expectations.