Expectation and gratitude

Expectation and gratitude are competing qualities. The more I expect out of life, the less grateful I am for what is right in front of me.

The challenge is in finding a balance. If I have no expectations of myself and my life, why bother working out, trying new things or dreaming about what my future could be?

But if I over-expect, I’m left unsatisfied with where I am today because expectations can go unfulfilled or take longer to materialize. When that happens, my gratitude suffers.

The best I can figure is that I should expect the most out of myself but not my circumstances. If it is 100% within my control – how active I am, my diet, my work ethic, my attitude, etc. – my expectations should be sky high. That leaves plenty of room for gratitude for all that is around me.

If in doubt, I’d say trade your expectations for gratitude. This might cost you in your material achievements, but you’ll have peace that is priceless.