Crime rates are a big topic of discussion in cities around the country. The President’s use of federal support to assist in some of these cities has grown into quite a political debate. However, there is another group of thieves that continues to run rampant, and no one is talking about it. These thieves are robbing people in all types of communities.
We know the name of this group, but we are doing very little to slow them down.
The thieves’ names are “Expectations.”
Expectations continue to rob people every day. They rob people of joy, contentment, and peace. They cause damage to friendships, families, and workplaces. Expectations are quietly impacting people through disappointments, disillusionment, and depression.
Expectations are clearly outside of our control. They are really hopes, wishes, and wants that we feel strongly about, but can’t control.
We can share our expectations with others but are dependent on them to comply. We can place expectations on ourselves but can’t control every variable. We can expect things to happen, but there are no guarantees.
If we were to be honest, most of our expectations are outcome based. Most of our expectations are tied to an accomplishment, an achievement, or a performance. Those expectations could be tied to someone else or us.
To crave an outcome but not love the process is a guarantee of disappointment.
The key is a shift in mindset. Shifting from an outcome focus to an input (process) based focus changes everything. In other words, rather than placing so much of our focus on outcomes, achievements, accomplishments, and performances, we replace it with a focus on daily disciplines, habits, actions, and processes.
The mindset shift is from things we can’t control to things we can control. The focus allows us to regain joy, contentment, and peace in the midst of varying circumstances. We aren’t living above the circumstances but have a very different view within the circumstances. Circumstances and outcomes no longer control us. Expectations are no longer a factor.
The outcome-based expectations are replaced with input focused standards that direct our lives. These standards form the input focus and can be comprised of whatever one desires. This approach is conducive for individuals, organizations, and teams.
Nick Saban, former college football coach, would frequently refer to his “process” at the University of Alabama. That process was the input-based approach that he used for years in coaching. While he accomplished great things, the accomplishments were never the focus. The process was the focus.
In the middle of Jesus’s famous Sermon on the Mount, he said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal”.
Focus was key even 2000+ years ago. Those treasures on earth that he mentions suggest possessions, accomplishments, and many other outcome-focused realizations of expectations.
Don’t let expectations rob you any longer. Put a stop to it! Start thinking about inputs, standards, and process. Focus on daily habits and disciplines that promote healthy mindset, body, and emotions. For organizations, they promote engaging workplaces, unified teams, and focused execution.
Take back your joy, contentment, and hope! It was yours all along!
Doug provides professional speaking and coaching services to organizations and individuals. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build a team culture, feel free to reach out to Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
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