Hope v. Expectation

Here’s a short, but oh so sweet, post from Seth Godin:

Hope and expectation

Hope is fuel, it moves us forward and it amplifies our best work.

Expectation is the killer of joy, the shortest route to disappointment. When we expect that something will happen, we can’t help but be let down…

*  *  *

When we understand and respect the difference between hope and expectation, our work, and lives, transform.

Similar Posts

  • Gold or Platinum?

    We have committed the Golden Rule to memory; let us now commit it to life. – Edwin Markham We all know what the Golden Rule asks of us: do unto others as we have them do unto us. It’s (pretty) good advice. But there’s something better. The Platinum Rule: do unto others as they would want…

  • Speed and Road Choice

    That might seem like an odd title, or perhaps a not very helpful one. But it will soon make sense. A mentor of mine sent me a message that contained the following line: If I am on the wrong road it doesn’t matter how good I get at speeding down the road. It’s the wrong…

  • No Pain, No Pain

    We’ve all heard the expression: No Pain, No Gain. Well, it’s wrong. Following that formula will lead to injuries or burnout. First, what do I mean, exactly, by “pain.” Pain is not discomfort. Pain is not working hard. Pain is not struggling in the face of difficulty. Pain is not wishing it was easy when…

  • The Actual Issue

    I am reading a great book by Ronald and Mary Hulnick, “Loyalty to Your Soul” and have to share something I read: “How we relate to an issue is the issue.” This is such a powerful idea. “Issues” are happening all the time. How we decide to interact with them makes all the difference. When we…

  • Beyond Responding

    I’m not sure if it is a word, or even if it could be a word, but I want to offer you the option of “pre-ponding.” There’s responding and reacting (and there’s over-responding and over-reacting, but those options are for another post… ), and there is pro-acting. I want to create a distinction between pro-acting…