I was talking to a friend last night and she asked “Do you think I have high expectations?” It wasn’t a tough question…I replied “yes”. However, I noticed the tone in which she asked me this. She asked as if it was a bad thing to have high expectations and almost sounded a bit disappointed when I said she did.
Having high expectations is a good thing. I’ve got crazy high expectations of myself and in others. Of course, there are a few things that must be taken into consideration for having high expectations to be considered a good thing. First, one must be aware that they have high expectations. If you aren’t aware of this, you could be in for a lot of disappointment as you wonder why nobody lives up to your expectations or why you aren’t getting what you want out of life. For instance, in a simple way you may prefer a hamburger with good seasonings on a good bun. These expectations are a bit higher than a fast food burger will provide you. Fine. Just be aware that it may take a bit longer to find this burger than it will to hit any of the fast food joints that pepper the land. This holds true in all aspects of life…finding a good job, a compatible mate, a nice house. Chances are you won’t find the perfect one for you right away but don’t get discouraged. Your expectations are higher and it will take just a bit longer to find that one that satisfies all your requirements.
Next up is to make sure your expectations are realistic. Sure it’s fine to hold yourself to a higher standard or to expect more out of others. But c’mon…make sure these expectations are achievable. Not everyone can live up to what you expect. Perhaps you are a surfer and expect to surf the best waves around. That’s fine. Just don’t expect to do that off the Georgia coast. That’s an unrealistic expectation. It’s probably unrealistic to find a 4 bedroom house in Santa Cruz for under $300,000…yet it’s not unrealistic in other parts of the country.
Once we take these two key points into consideration and accept these for what they are, not only is it acceptable to have high expectations but I actually feel it’s better to have them. I’d much rather surround myself with people who expect more out of themselves and out of life than with people who are content to live status quo and who set the bar low.
Keep those expectations high and let’s reach our goals!
note: this was also posted on Chia Town as I feel it is also very relevant while looking for a new job, business opportunity, business associate, and so forth. If you have the luxury of time and some cash stashed away (I know…not always realistic), keep those expectations high and don’t settle for less than you’re worth.
