Many say (especially in the writing world, and usually associated with getting agents, publishers, or life-changing advances) that we should keep our expectations low. “Realistic.”
I disagree with that!
I feel that if we don’t keep our expectations high, we don’t reach.
We don’t grow.
I believe that, yes, we understand things may or may not happen for whatever reason(s)…but if you want something, truly want it…why shouldn’t we keep our expectations high?
What does “keep oneself ‘grounded in reality'” mean? What reality? If our reality is not what we want it to be–why the hell would we want to remain “grounded” in it?
Why should expectations be reigned in–be so controlled?
I don’t think all the energy associated with expectations is meant to be stomped into the ground and stifled. Pushed down beneath so many layers of anyone else’s so-called “reality” and I suck and will never go anywhere. I believe expectations are meant to be released, given free–exuberant–expression!
Whether or not the object of our expectations pan out is another matter. I feel that whether or not our objects-of-expectation materialize is based upon our beliefs, when is the best time for them to materialize, or any of a number of other factors of which we may or may not have any idea. That there are things going on in the background that we may or may not entirely understand that directly affects said goal manifestion…but that does not mean we shouldn’t express our expectations in a manner deserving of them!
I certainly don’t want to remain “grounded in reality” when it comes to not attaining any goals I’m striving for. Expectations are not wasted nor useless efforts or energy, but should be used to help propel us toward our goals! Give us hope. The energy to sustain our quest (our journey!) for our goals. Note how athletes get psyched up for events:
We’re gonna kick your ass!
I’m gonna move a ton of weight!
We’re gonna take that Superbowl!
Isn’t that all just another muscled-up way of ramping up one’s expectations?
The goal of goals should be in the journey, not necessarily in just the attaining of goals! Whether or not we get our books published, our scripts produced, or our Superbowls won isn’t necessarily the point. It’s about taking the road to bettering our lives. Improving our abilities. The point should also be in having excitement for life…for the things we want to do (though we don’t all express “excitement” in the same way)! To being happy in our every day life, whether or not we get everything we think we want, and not to be pinned or stomped down by negativity and pessimism…nor grounded in realities we want to change.
Well, that’s my perspective, anyway…it’s what I expect.