Why Having Lower Expectations Can Lead to Greater Success

We’ve all heard the saying, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” It’s a lovely thought, but what if I told you that having lower expectations might actually help you reach higher? As someone who has battled with setting huge expectations and the disappointment that often comes with them, I’ve learned that there’s real value in lowering our expectations.

You might be wondering, lowering expectations? Doesn’t that mean settling for less? I used to think that too, but I’ve realized it’s actually the opposite. When we adjust our expectations, we open the door to more opportunities and, surprisingly, find more success.

In this article, we’ll explore how lowering expectations can lead to greater achievements, increased satisfaction, and a more fulfilling life.

What does it mean to Lower Expectations?

When we talk about lowering expectations, it’s important to clarify what we really mean. Lowering expectations doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams or settling for less. Instead, it’s about setting goals that are realistic and can be achieved based on where you are right now.

How to Lower Expectations:

• Being realistic: It’s about understanding your current situation and what’s possible. For example, if you’re starting a new business, expecting to make a big profit in the first month might not be realistic. Lowering your expectations here could mean setting a more reasonable goal, like breaking even in a year.
• Focusing on the journey: Instead of only thinking about the end result, lowering expectations allows you to enjoy the process.
• Reducing pressure: High expectations often come with a lot of pressure, which can be overwhelming. By lowering your expectations, you reduce that pressure and make room for creativity and growth. This doesn’t mean you’re not challenging yourself—it just means the challenges are more manageable and less stressful.
• Being flexible: Lower expectations help you stay adaptable. If you’re not fixed on one specific outcome, it’s easier to adjust when things don’t go as planned or when new opportunities come up.
• Practicing self-kindness: Lowering expectations often means being gentler with yourself. It’s about understanding that you’re human, and it’s okay to succeed or fail. What matters is that you treat yourself with care and respect, no matter what.
• Setting smaller goals: Instead of one big goal, lowering expectations could mean breaking that goal into smaller, more manageable steps. This way, you can make steady progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way.
• Redefining success: Lowering expectations can also mean rethinking what success means to you. It could be about valuing personal growth over external praise or finding satisfaction in the effort you put in, not just in the final outcome.

Read: Why Adopting a 1 Better Every Day Mindset Can Transform Your Leadership

Is it Better to have Low Expectations?

Asking if it’s better to have low expectations really depends on how you look at it and what situation you’re in. Oftentimes, keeping expectations low can actually lead to better outcomes. It’s not about lowering your standards to where you stop aiming for excellence, but about setting realistic goals and preparing yourself to handle life’s ups and downs.

Take my fitness journey as an example. At first, I set incredibly high expectations, believing I would see major progress and noticeable changes within a few weeks. When that didn’t happen, I felt disheartened and almost gave up. But then, I decided to lower my expectations—choosing to focus on small, steady improvements rather than expecting drastic changes overnight. This shift in mindset helped me stick with my routine and, over time, I achieved even better results.

Lowering expectations can keep us motivated by taking away the fear of failure. When we set the bar too high, we might be setting ourselves up for disappointment, which can lead to a cycle of doubt and frustration. On the other hand, when our expectations are more reasonable, we’re more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and stay on track, even if progress is slower than we hoped.

What is the Theory of Low Expectations?

The idea behind the theory of low expectations is simple: by setting our expectations a bit lower, we can reduce stress, avoid feeling disappointed, and create more room for genuine happiness and success. This theory isn’t about being negative or pessimistic; instead, it promotes a realistic and practical approach to setting and achieving goals.

One key part of this theory comes from the concept known as “expectancy theory.” This principle suggests that our motivation is tied to how much we believe we can succeed and how important that success is to us. When our expectations are set too high, the gap between where we are and where we want to be can feel overwhelming, which might make us less motivated and more likely to give up. But by lowering our expectations a bit, we can shrink that gap, making our goals seem more reachable and boosting our chances of success.

Another crucial element of the low expectations theory is something called cognitive reframing. This means changing the way we think about our goals and the challenges we face. Instead of seeing obstacles as impossible roadblocks, we can view them as chances to learn and grow.

The theory also suggests that when we expect less, we become more open to unexpected successes and opportunities. By not being too focused on a specific outcome, we’re more likely to notice and take advantage of other opportunities that might come our way. This adaptability can be a major factor in achieving success because it allows us to adjust to changes and make the most situations we might have otherwise missed.

You should read this: How Keystone Habits Drive Success in Business and Personal Life

Lower Expectation Quotes

• “Expectations are resentments waiting to happen.” – Anne Lamott
• “When you release expectations, you are free to enjoy things for what they are instead of what you think they should be.” – Mandy Hale
• “The secret to happiness is low expectations.” – Barry Schwartz
• “By lowering your expectations, you increase the chance of surprise and lessen the chance of disappointment.” – Ryan Holiday
• “If you expect nothing from somebody, you are never disappointed.” – Sylvia Plath
• “Sometimes the best way to move forward is to let go of what you thought should happen.” – Unknown
• “Happiness is not in having; it’s in waiting and accepting.” – Maxime Lagacé
• “When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.” – Donald Miller

Scorecard on Lower Expectations

The questions in the scorecard will encourage you to consider how adjusting your expectations might positively impact your life.

Also, read: 5 Steps to Enhance Your Creative Process as an Entrepreneur

FAQs on Lower Expectations

Conclusion

The next time you set a goal or start something new, think about adjusting what you expect from yourself. You might be amazed at how much more you can accomplish when you allow yourself the freedom to grow and progress at your own speed. Success isn’t just about crossing the finish line; it’s also about enjoying the journey along the way.

References

• Wanderingaimfully.com
• Forbes.com