what i’ve learned from letting go of expectations
throughout my career, I have struggled a lot with self-imposed pressure. that voice in the back of your head saying “I really want this to be successful.”
And on one level, that’s very normal. Nobody embarks on a project thinking, “Well, I really hope this goes terrible!” It’s healthy to have high hopes and to want things to work out.
But for myself, that hope for success came with a lot of ongoing stress. I wanted to outdo myself, have my work stand on its own, and show people what I was capable of. finding that next big client. applying to the next big listing I found. setting the bar higher for myself with nobody’s expectations but my own.
the fear of failure is something we all struggle with. however the expectations I gave myself would cause severe anxiety thus not being good for my own mental health. So I started to ask myself, “What’s behind the anxiety? What am I feeling? What is the core fear?” My fear was that I would fail.
once realizing this, it was a major eye opener for myself. because what i’ve accomplished in this short amount of time on this earth, I’m proud of. no longer the need to compare myself nor my resume to someone else’s in my field. understanding we’re all on our own journey and no two are alike. I looked at past negative moments as a lesson and a stepping stone for the future.
understanding that one major milestone doesn’t have to compare to something else in my life because it never will be the same. nor do I want it too.
I realized early on in my career that my life would be different. sitting in a room of 50 students where I was the only hand not raised for “who wants to open their own restaurant one day?” I knew my path would be different and the struggles would be harder and I wouldn't settle for anything. money will always come and go but the memories and lessons are priceless. reading this you may find that statement as a fortune cookie statement but I stand by it. timing really is everything.
what I’ve learned is Whether in your personal or professional life, it’s easy to fall into the cycle of worrying about the future and trying to control its outcome. There is incredible power in letting go of rigid expectations. By opting for self-acceptance over self-imposed pressure, it’s much easier to stay in the present—and to appreciate the good things in your life this very moment.
