Managing Expectations

With the Powerball at $485 million (and probably to go up by tomorrow), I thought it would be a good time to stress the importance of managing expectations again. Don't anticipate winning the Powerball. Not only because the odds are 1 in 175,223,510, but because I'm going to win. You're welcome. I just brought you to an appropriate level of expectations. It can be depressing when expectations sound impeccable (and give so much hope and excitment) and get shot down.

With Valentine's Day coming up, people in relationships have to assume that their day/night will probably not go as perfectly as the beginning or end of a romantic comedy. This definitely goes for proposals. Setting a precedent can be dangerous in setting expectations like giving someone chocolate, flowers, AND jewelry on the first anniversary or major romance holiday (which may include 99% of holidays).

For the single people, limit the pre-meeting expectations. Everyone has done it: Seeing someone and imagining what (the relationship with them) could be before even saying a word to them.

While setting it's good to set realistic expectations, it can also have some consequences. It can possibly limit/restrict the outcome once the expectations are met. You could get content with the result as well (which can be bad in some cases).

It's just as important to regulate expectations of others at times.