Managing Expectations

Do you ever feel that patience is in short supply, when it comes to your own, personal change initiatives? Time running out? Things not moving fast enough to suit you? Perhaps it’s time to give yourself a bit of a break, and better manage your expectations.

Many people are interested in doing all they can to develop strong and positive self-esteem, and that is an exceptionally good thing. But sometimes, there is a tendency for folks who have just started the process of deliberate personal growth to take themselves a bit too seriously. Expectations run high and personal change can’t come fast enough. The same thing can happen to an organization as it embarks on a growth initiative.

Individuals may find themselves going abruptly from relative non-awareness (or confidence that there wasn’t any need to change in the past) to total and complete introspection. They hold a magnifying glass up to every thought, feeling, act and relationship. Growth and change then get bogged down in the details.

Perhaps what is needed is to relax and take it easy. Take the changes a step at a time, a day at a time. Developing high self-esteem is a gradual process, so you don’t need to pressure yourself to get there all at once. New or revised organizational mission and values statements take a while to soak into the fabric of the organization.

Artists and craftsmen work steadily on their creations. They don’t get frantic over completion. As the old saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Give yourself time and space to develop and rework your self-picture. In the meantime, relax and enjoy yourself. Get involved in activities you like and have fun. Life’s too short not to.

If you are tempted to measure your progress, use a broad time range. See yourself today as compared to five or ten years ago, but always keep your eye on where you want to be. And remember the story of the tortoise and the hare – slow and steady wins the race. As long as you work consistently, you will get there!