Living up to Expectations

Image credits: SalFalko

We grow up surrounded by expectations of our parents, teachers, friends and connections. When we are young, we focus on meeting the expectations of those closest to us, like parents or teachers. As we get older, we add to the list of expectations to meet: bosses, significant others and mentors. And of course, we all have expectations of ourselves.

Take a moment to consider all the expectations people have for you, and you may be surprised by how long the list can get.

From a young age, we too develop expectations for those around us. As a father and a business leader, I have expectations for my children and for my employees. I have expectations for my friends and my connections. The list of expectations we have for others can be just as long as the ones they have for us.

While expectations are created with the best intentions, there are times when these expectations hold us back. To be an effective leader, you must differentiate between expectations that push you forward, and those that are unintentionally limiting your business or yourself. You must see beyond the limiting expectation to the possibilities without that expectation.

Ultimately, do not let anyone’s, even your own, expectations stop you. Do not let them define who you are or what your business is. Instead, lead from your core and from your values.

Consider the expectations you have for yourself and those of the people around you. Are there expectations actually preventing you from moving forward to success? How will you define and then lead beyond these?