We all have expectations.  Expectations of ourselves and of others.  Sometimes we fail to manage these expectations correctly or responsibly and this can ultimately lead to disappointment and suffering.  So my questions is, how do we do this more effectively?

All well and good to say, “No expectations, no disappointment.”  I often hear those words coming out of my own mouth.  Particularly when trying to justify why something didn’t go the way I wanted it to.

Often it’s our expectations particularly in the context of relationships that set us up for failure.  We place expectations on the other person which are based on assumptions and how we believe things should be.  We believe what we think and what we want to hear without actually listening or having the capacity and capability to see the signs; both verbal and non-verbal.

Nobody likes to admit that their relationship is heading into a train wreck.  So why do we place such expectations on it and ourselves?  I am a firm believer that we all do our best given the resources available to us.  When we are feeling depleted we also have to draw on any reserves that we may have.

To all who are navigating tricky relationships in their professional and personal lives right now I invite you to stand back, recognise the role you have played and continue to play and then take responsibility for it.  Allow yourself to see things from another perspective.  Engage with a coach in order to do so.  A coach who allows you to see yourself as others do.  And if your situation is traumatic for you at this time, know you will get through it.