What do You Expect?

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ~ Winston Churchill

This is a great time of year for two things: reviewing the current year to determine what goals can still be accomplished before year-end and planning for the next year.

It’s all about expectations: what do you expect to finish this year, and what do you expect to start next year?

There are two polar viewpoints when it comes to expectations – you can expect to fail, and you can expect to succeed. The interesting thing is that most often, what you EXPECT, your mind ACCEPTS as the truth.

And so I encourage you to choose your truth by choosing your expectation. In fact, I recommend printing this article right now, taking out a pen, and marking the option you choose. Then put the list in a place you will see it daily. It will force you to commit to a game plan…to make a conscious choice. And, by the way, choosing not to do this is the same as Option 1 – because that is what happens by default.

____ OPTION #1:  I EXPECT TO FAIL

Follow someone else’s plan – It has been said that if you don’t plan your life, someone else will. And you may not like their plan. But if you expect to fail, this is a great option for you.

Accept status quo – Settle. Stop trying to grow. This is a sure path to failed expectations.

Ignore counsel – The wisdom of counsel is that you get expert advice from those who see things from a different perspective than you. By all means, if you expect to fail, do not listen to anyone’s counsel – and especially not someone who has achieved success.

Leave things undone – You may have a million great ideas, but if you never count the cost, set a plan in action, and finish at least one, you are on the path to failure. Congratulations!

_____ OPTION #2:   I EXPECT TO SUCCEED

Set aside time to strategize – You must take time out of your activities to STOP and REFLECT. Evaluate what is working and what is not. Define your best strategy.

Understand your options – Whatever your business or career field, always be a student. Study all you can so you know your options.

Connect with your TEAM – Teachers, Encouragers, Allies, and Mentees.

Create a plan of action.

Establish measurable goals.

Enlist resources – tools, team, and training.

Develop routines and solid habits that set you up for success.

Will you succeed in your business or career in 2023? Your answer lies within your response to this question: “What do you expect?”