The Power of Expectations

There is power in expectations. And changing them.

I think the best example is people who become parents for the first time. Or even the second or third time.

We've all met the parents from time to time who complain about lack of sleep with their newborn. Or maybe they don't complain, but it shows in the uncomfortable acts of passive aggression that only chronic sleep deprivation can provide.

But what if you didn't plan on sleeping at night when you have a newborn?

What if the first three months of parenting became "daytime parenting" and "nighttime parenting?" Instead of expecting "daytime parenting" and "sleep" that not only won't come, but will make you upset because your expectations weren't met.

Or what if nighttime became a fun survival game with a three-month time limit?

Okay, maybe that last one's a stretch. But you get the point.

When you adjust your expectations to match reality, there is a power there.

When it comes to music, many students and parents quit because of a false expectation. Namely that it should be fun all the time.

And that if there are problems or plateaus, that means music isn't for them.

But when you adjust your expectations, you not only enjoy music more, but you progress faster.

Try it with something you're dreading today. Can you change your expectations to make it a little more exciting?

The only way to find out, as with most interesting things, is to try.