Your expectations may be failing you. They may be the reason you are angry, depressed and filled with anxiety.
Has this ever crossed your mind?
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It is reasonable for us to expect specific things from people who are able to perform at those levels of expectations. (Example: a friend to keep their commitments) But it is not realistic for us to expect others to perform at that level if they have hindrances of any sort. (Example: a friend who is battling an addiction will likely not show up)
What are a hinderance?
– Addictions – Ignorance/Naiveness –
– Disabilities – Obstacles (jobs/school/children/etc…) –
– Sickness/Disease –
[This list could be endless]
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“Expectations are a set-up for disappointment and bitterness. There is a difference between reasonable and realistic expectations. When we expect others to behave reasonably, especially those who are incapable, our expectations are unrealistic”
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“When you manage your expectations, you avoid the pitfalls of unforgiveness and increase your peace of mind”
~ Christy Johnson in the book “Love Junkies” pg: 114-115 ~
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We should always be growing. Always be seeking to be better today than we were yesterday. We should be striving to become the best version of ourselves we can possibly become. And we don’t do that if we are close minded to the things we need to change within ourselves. We can not change someone else. We can only change ourselves and then, our change will either inspire them to change, or inspire them to leave. Either way is a bonus and our growth, even though it’s painful, is a benefit and blessing. And we must learn to forgive. We must forgive ourselves and others. For both our high expectations, and the unfair offenses we have endured. Whether self inflected or coming in from others.
How to succeed!
When we set our expectations on God and what His Word says and not on man we can plan to succeed. We must also be obedient to the instructions he places on our hearts. He will show us where we are being unreasonable and where we are being realistic. Follow His lead.
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Ask yourself…
What are you expecting?
Are your expectations too high/to low?
Can you change your unrealistic expectations to reasonable ones so you can live a more peaceful life?
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“The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.”
~ Proverbs 10:28 ESV ~
“The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath.”
~ Proverbs 11:23 ESV ~
“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”
~ Hebrews 12:15 NLT ~
