Expectation. A willingness to believe that something will happen or be the case. When we often strive for something in life and work hard for it, we expect to obtain it. We assume that because we worked so hard to reach it, we, in turn, expect it to come. However, this is sadly not the case. Sometimes, when you work so hard to get something or somewhere, it can be frustrating and exhausting, and it might seem like all that hard work you put in was for nothing when you ultimately don't reach that Expectation. Trust me, I know the feeling. The feeling where you worked tirelessly on your craft, trying to perfect it, hopefully receiving all the benefits that come with it, only for it not to go your way. And sometimes it's alright.

Why this Topic?

Throughout my life, I've loved playing basketball. The simple joy I got from playing the sport made me realize that I wanted to pursue it. However, as soon as I got to high school, the Expectations that I had for myself were high. I thought that I was going to be a star. Someone that everyone could respect. But through many injuries and unfortunate circumstances, that didn't happen. Instead, I was seen as someone who had to prove themselves to somebody constantly. And if I didn't, I was seen as a failure. A no-good loser that failed to reach the Expectation that he had for himself. However, in having high expectations for myself, I found resilience. I found that I would work to become the best version of myself no matter what I was going through. Maybe I was naive to think that. But in my heart, I truly believed it. And no one was going to stop me.

What has Expectation taught me?

Expectations can be tricky. Although you can have a vision of where you should be, it may not accurately represent where you are. And that's ok. The purpose of Expectation is to instill a belief system within yourself that you can get there and take the necessary steps to reach your goals. And with solid plans, expectations can indeed be results. And at the end of the day, people truly respect someone that produces results rather than expectations. So why are results better than expectations?

Expectations vs. Results

Expectation is like the verbal communication that actions will be done. In contrast, the results are the actual action being taken. The difference is one is a concrete thing while the other is merely an idea. No one likes someone who expects to be somewhere but is never willing to work to achieve that result. That means they weren't willing to put in the work required to succeed. They didn't have the necessary skill set to put their money where their mouth was. And that is truly a shame. After a while, people like that become unreliable. And when things need to be done, they are always the last to be called. So, how can we be more about results rather than expectations?

How can we turn those Expectations into Results?

1) Set Goals for yourself

Without goals, actual progress cannot be made. All those commitments that you have to strive for something mean nothing if they are not written down. Write down a couple of goals each month and stick to them. That way, real progress can be made

2) Work Hard

You get nowhere in life without working hard. Sometimes, things require real grit and hardship. And those struggles build character and someone who will make things happen.

3) Failure is a part of the process

If you don't fail, you're not even trying. Failure is a part of the process. Failure teaches you lessons and allows you to grow. Failure never makes you satisfied with the things you have, which makes you more hungry to reach those goals.

4) Focus on yourself, not others

The only person that you should be worried about is yourself. Worrying about others or comparing yourself to others diminishes your progress. Always strive for your own goals and not for the pleasure of others.