Sharing Resources to Help You Grow Personally, Professionally & Financially

Sometimes, a little dose of encouragement—paired with a great cup of coffee!—is just what we need to start the day right.

I hope the message below gives you a positive boost to kick off your week. And don’t hesitate to pass it on to anyone who might benefit from a little inspiration.

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Expectations

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As I move through each day, I like to jot down ideas that spark inspiration for blogging and writing. Occasionally, I’ll come across a topic that isn’t new—a thought I’ve explored before. When that happens, it gives me a chance to reflect on my journey, to consider how much I’ve learned, how I’ve grown, and how my perspectives on life have evolved over time.

This week’s topic (expectations) is something I wrote about back in June of 2015. At that time, I posed the question that still resonates with me:

• Are my expectations reasonable and aligned with what is truly important in my life?

This question is as relevant as ever, but my approach has shifted. Today, I believe there’s value in avoiding rigid expectations altogether.

While it’s essential to plan for what matters most—like faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance—anchoring our happiness to specific outcomes in these areas can be risky. When we fixate on expectations, we may be setting ourselves up for disappointment. If we “shoot for the moon” and make reaching it our end goal, we’re likely to feel let down if we fall short. We’re not all Neil Armstrong, after all!

Instead, I’ve found that focusing on the journey—the way we live—makes all the difference. While we may not control outcomes, we do have control over the actions and attitudes that shape our experiences. This subtle shift from outcome-based thinking to process-focused living can bring a healthier and more satisfying outlook on life.

So, as we head into this week, let’s revisit that question with a fresh perspective:

• Are my expectations reasonable and aligned with what is most important in my life?

Thank you for taking a moment to connect with me this Monday. Here’s to a fantastic week ahead—may it be filled with purpose, positivity, and progress!

Have a great week!

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Blog post from this past week:

Monday Morning Motivation - Anxiety