Good day, Purposeful Hearts! Last week, we examined our personal habits to determine if they’re serving us (and others) well, and I shared my Non-Negotiable Morning routine with you. Today, we move from the power of habits to the power of expectations. In other words, how does what you expect in the future shape what you’re doing right now?
In a very basic sense, we could take a “self-fulfilling prophecy” lens on the power of expectations, meaning largely that you get what you ask for. If you embrace this viewpoint, then you’re aware of how influential your own expectations and predictions can be about what actually occurs in your life. But are you using this strategy to the fullest? Are you setting your expectations high enough to encourage growth and positive action?
Another positive aspect of maintaining high expectations is that it keeps you in control of the decision-making process when deciding what’s right for you and what’s not. Take the dating scene, for example. Too often, people look at dating as a time to impress the other person, make themselves look better than they are, and convince the love interest to stay. In the job interview process, this is the role of the interviewee. Let’s reframe this scenario: why should you be the interviewee in your own quest for a spouse? Take control of the interview. You ask the questions. You establish the criteria for a top-notch candidate, and you remain firm in those expectations. You don’t stop searching until you’ve found the right one for the job. Consider how you might apply this same logic to other areas of your life – it’s a powerful and empowering way to think!
While you’re assessing your expectations, keep in mind that God’s expectations for you, your life, and your relationships exceed yours; don’t be surprised if your life story unfolds in an unexpected way! In Ephesians 3:20, we read, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. Rest in this beautiful knowledge that God knows your heart, your hopes, and your dreams, and he can outmatch you any day!
A downside to only focusing on your expectations, however, is that it can center your view only on the future. One of my greatest regrets is that I spend too much mental energy thinking that my life will be better after I reach the next major milestone of my life. Life will be better after college, because I won’t have homework. Life will be better when I have a husband, because I won’t be lonely. Life will be better when my children are all sleeping through the night. Life will be better when I’m done changing diapers and sheets. Can you relate to that way of thinking? The complete downfall of this thinking pattern hits me when I realize that I didn’t fully appreciate being “present” in moments that I can never get back.
So, Purposeful Hearts, with intentionality and balance, keep your expectations for the future high but your action and focus on the present. Allow this sequential synergy to guide your purposeful life. On that note, go get ‘em today!
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