Expectations and Comparisons Steal Your Joy

How do we deal with expectations?

As a coach, I see expectation play out both in my life and the lives of my clients and in truth, until we can learn to deal with our expectations, life and the universe will tend to rub them in our faces. 

 Of course, we are taught to plot life on a timeline — degrees, jobs, houses, relationships — and when our path doesn’t match the map, we feel behind, angry, or like we’ve failed. That feeling? Totally normal, but also changeable.

Here’s the thing: life is wildly unpredictable. Goals and timelines can help us focus, but they also create pressure and disappointment when the universe throws a curveball. The only thing you control is how you respond. You can let frustration run the show, or you can accept the reality in front of you and choose a calmer, kinder response.

Try swapping rigid goals for intentions — aim in a direction rather than locking onto a single finish line. Build resilience by practising acceptance, try journaling, and asking useful questions: What happens if I don’t hit this by that date? What’s an alternative plan? What would make this journey feel joyful again?

The truth is that nothing lasts forever — the good bits and the hard bits pass. If you want a simple exercise, journal about a time an expectation failed and how the detour shaped you. Often, those unexpected routes bring things you didn’t know you needed.

As always, be gentle with yourself. Move toward what matters, let go of the unfair comparisons, and remember: progress isn’t always a straight line. Share this with someone who needs the reminder — we’re all figuring it out together.

Check out the show. I would love your perspective on this.

 

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

   

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