I have had the phrase, managing expectations, come to mind quite often recently, and in different situations with myself as well as with others. I’ve felt frustrated (sometimes unreasonably so) when something didn’t go the way I wanted it too, and I’ve seen people getting angry over situations that I felt their expectations were unreasonable. “Sorry sir, you don’t get a free refill on your (expensive) coffee drink.” Though managing expectations wasn’t a concept that my parents taught me I think it is one that belongs in our “toolbox” of life, as people of all ages struggle with it from time to time.
When I asked AI to briefly define “managing expectation” this is what I got.
- Setting realistic goals
- Clarifying roles and responsibilities
- Being transparent about limitations or challenges
- Provide regular updates and feedback
Then I thought of the concept in the context of new sight loss and it had me thinking back 15 years ago when I became blind.
I was unrealistic as to my energy level; it is just no longer realistic for me to work full time or to go on an all-day shopping trip. I did not realize how much longer it would take me to do things than it did when I was fully sighted. I am glad that I was told early in my blindness to expect life to take more energy as a blind person than as a sighted person. I wish someone had gone further to discuss managing my expectations going forward. I will hang on to the AI definition to share with others, and as my sight loss progresses it’s a good reminder that I need to reevaluate my life from time to time. If I am feeling unhappy maybe I need to look at what I’m expecting of myself and allowing myself the grace to say “no” to taking on new tasks or responsibilities. It is okay to shift your expectations of yourself. Managing expectations is often about “playing well with others” but it can also be about playing well with yourself
After all you have to live with you, play nice!
Leave a Reply