The power of Expectation. A New Year. A new beginning. 2018.

Expectations are the fuel of hope.

The emotional and mental fuel generated by expectations cannot be underestimated. An expectation is a view of what 'can be'. An expectation puts energy in footsteps, action in planning, focus in the midst of distraction. Expectations are what we believe can happen, a future that does not exist except in our hearts and minds. Some may call it a dream. Others a vision. Others a goal. No matter what semantic definitions we use, they all point toward something of our imagination that can become reality. Expectations are both journeys and destinations that satisfy our longings for achievement, improvement and excellence. The sheer joy of anticipating the achievement of an expectation can carry us through difficult times.

Expectations build intention and intention builds action

Simple expectations sound like: "This summer we'll replant those trees." "We'll be taking a holiday to the North country in Summer." Big expectations sound like: "I'll be heading off to school in Fall." Major expectations sound like: "We're getting married in June." "I'll be relocating to Europe when I finish my MBA." "I'm going to overcome this addiction." "I'm finally going to get a handle on my finances."

The Cynics tell us to forget it

Now the cynics will tell you to keep your expectations low. You may get hurt. Things won't work out. You'll be sorry you believed something could change or be better. Don't waste your time on castles in the air. Stick to what you know is going to work out. "Lower your expectations and you'll never be disappointed." We've all heard those words along the way. They're tough to hear, especially when things go wrong. But don't let them stop you.

Aren't people with expectations likely to be disappointed?

Yes, but don't let that stop you from expecting good things to come.

It's true. Some things may not work out. Failures occur. Odd things may happen that alter your course. Things may get worse before they get better, but distant expectations guide us through those setbacks.

"I've had expectations before but things didn't work out as I planned."

No doubt - - - and you're not alone. Every expectation has unforeseen influences that can turn things upside down - - - at least for a while. Yet without some sense of expectation, some sense of hope in future possibilities, people remain stagnant - - - safe but stagnant - - - living life in the most minimal way - - - and missing much that does happen when we engage the engine of our expectations.

[*One Caveat - expectations of ourselves, not others

Expectations we place on ourselves for our future often include others. Sometimes others are integral to what we want to achieve or do. Setting expectations for others without engaging them and helping them understand our desires can lead to serious disappointment.]

Looking forward!

So Happy New Year! Start framing those expectations for 2018 today.

What does this year hold for you? What expectations do you have? What are you hoping to accomplish in the year ahead or years ahead? Take that first step and let your expectations lead you to places and accomplishments you've always desired.

#encouragement #hope #future