7 Dream Killers Preventing Your Success #7 – Unrealistic Expectations

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7 Dream Killers Preventing Your Success – #7 Unrealistic Expectations

Your expectations, more than anything else, determine your reality. They shape how you perceive the world, your goals, and your interactions with others. But beware, unrealistic expectations can distort your life, leading to frustration and disappointment. You may find yourself constantly chasing outcomes that are impossible to achieve. It’s essential to understand that while it’s important to dream big, grounding those dreams in reality is the key to true success and happiness.

According to Forbes, unrealistic expectations like believing life should be fair or expecting success without effort can set you up for failure. Let’s take a look at some of these harmful expectations and how they can hinder your journey.

Unrealistic Expectations That Sabotage Your Success

1. Life Should Be Fair. We’ve all been told “life isn’t fair,” yet many of us hold on to the notion that it should be. When life deals us a tough hand, we wait for justice to correct the situation. But this is not how life works. Expecting fairness will only leave you disappointed and stuck. Instead, take control and make decisions that move you forward.

   Story: Think of Thomas Edison. After countless failed attempts to create the light bulb, Edison was asked how it felt to fail so many times. He famously replied, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” He didn’t expect life to hand him success—he took control and kept moving forward.

2. Opportunities Will Fall Into My Lap. We often expect that because we work hard, success will come naturally. But opportunity rarely knocks without effort. You have to go after it with intent and persistence.

   Quote: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison

3. Everyone Should Like Me. It’s unrealistic to expect universal approval. Not everyone will resonate with your personality, ideas, or work. What matters more than being liked is earning respect through your actions and character.

   Story: Oprah Winfrey faced rejection early in her career as a news anchor because she was deemed “unfit for television.” Instead of expecting everyone to like her, she focused on being true to herself. Today, she is a global icon.

4. People Should Agree with Me. Expecting others to agree with your views can lead to frustration. Instead, focus on understanding different perspectives. This not only leads to better relationships but also opens up new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
5. People Know What I’m Trying to Say. Clear communication is key. Don’t assume that others can read your mind or understand your intentions. Make sure your message is clear and concise to avoid misunderstandings.
6. I’m Going to Fail. Expecting failure can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. While it’s important to acknowledge the possibility of setbacks, your primary focus should be on believing in your ability to succeed.

   Quote: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

7. Things Will Make Me Happy. Material possessions or external achievements might bring temporary pleasure, but they will not bring lasting happiness. True contentment comes from within—when your actions are aligned with your values and you find purpose in your work.
8. I Can Change Him/Her. You can only change yourself. Expecting to change someone else is futile. Focus on your own growth and choose to surround yourself with people who complement your journey, not those you feel you need to “fix.”

   Story: Consider a relationship where one partner constantly tries to mold the other into someone they are not. The result is often frustration and resentment. Real growth occurs when we focus on changing ourselves, not others.

Dream Killer #7 – Unrealistic Expectations

Unrealistic expectations are like invisible chains holding you back. They distort your perception and make you feel inadequate, discouraged, and stuck. When you set expectations that are disconnected from reality, you set yourself up for failure. The key to success is not just dreaming big but aligning those dreams with practical, actionable steps.

Think of unrealistic expectations like trying to run a marathon without ever having trained. The result? You’re left feeling exhausted and defeated. The marathon was always possible, but not without the proper preparation.

How to Overcome Unrealistic Expectations

1. Get Accurate Information. Success leaves clues. Before embarking on any goal, research those who have achieved similar outcomes. What strategies did they use? What challenges did they face? Learn from their experiences to set realistic goals for yourself.

   Example: If you want to start a new business, don’t expect overnight success. Research the average time it takes for startups to become profitable and build your plan accordingly.

2. Be Honest with Yourself. Self-awareness is crucial. Understand your strengths and limitations. Don’t set yourself up for failure by chasing goals that are out of alignment with your abilities. Instead, focus on goals that challenge you while still being attainable.
3. Seek Accountability. Unrealistic expectations often stem from avoidance or fear. To keep yourself grounded, seek accountability from trusted mentors, coaches, or peers. They will help you stay on track, confront your fears, and adjust your expectations as needed.

   Story: A famous example of accountability comes from Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Jobs had grand visions for Apple, but he relied on Wozniak’s technical expertise to keep those visions grounded in reality. Their partnership brought balance to their goals, resulting in the success of the Apple brand.

Final Thoughts: Dream Big, But Stay Grounded

Unrealistic expectations will derail your dreams faster than any external obstacle. Stay grounded by seeking accurate information, being honest with yourself, and surrounding yourself with accountability partners who challenge you to stay realistic.

Remember, success is a journey. It requires patience, persistence, and realistic planning. Adjust your expectations to match reality, and you’ll find that your dreams are not only possible—they are within reach.

Take the Next Step

Discouragement is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. You have the power to push through, regain your courage, and pursue your dreams with renewed passion. If you’re ready to dive deeper into overcoming Dream Killers, check out my eBook, 7 Dream Killers Preventing Your Success. It’s filled with actionable strategies to help you protect your dreams and keep moving forward.

Click HERE to get your copy of 7 Dream Killers Preventing Your Success today! And stay tuned for our next post in this series. Until then, remember to Dream Big, Take Risks, and become the CEO of YOU®!