Expect the Best, and Get It

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Years ago, I went to a party for a businessman who had thrown an event. It was held at one of his homes, and it was stunning. The views, the decor, the food, and the ambiance — everything was planned to the smallest detail. When I spoke to his wife later in the evening, telling her how incredible the experience was, she said, “Oh, you know X…he always expects the best.”

…and the thing is, he gets it. 

It can be controversial to talk about it, but there is a position we give ourselves based on what we expect. Some will tell you, “Have low expectations and you’ll always be happy,” but I firmly disagree. Not only do people with low expectations seem the unhappiest, at least in my experience, but those same expectations often turn into traps. Low expectations are often why people stay in terrible jobs, bad relationships, or settle for less…when those around them can see that they deserve more. 

In business, like in life, your expectations often define your outcomes. 

→ If you have low expectations, then you risk staying stuck, settling, or feeling frustrated.
→ If you have high expectations, surprisingly, you often get what you want. 

That’s not to say that you won’t face obstacles along the way — life is full of challenges — but it does set the tone for what you do, how you do it, and whether or not you even believe things are possible for you. 

And if you’ve only got one life, and obstacles are inevitable either way, shouldn’t you at least try to get what you want?

So, with the start of this new year, I want to issue a challenge. Forget the resolutions, forget the “New Year, New You” marketing, and let’s dive into something real. Something impactful, something with the potential to change the game for you — not just this year — but every. single. year. 

Your challenge? Raise your expectations. Decide to expect the best for yourself, your business, or your career — and just like the man above — let’s talk about how you can *actually* get it.