Considering the Power of Career Expectations

“I find it harder and harder every day to live up to my blue china.” – Oscar Wilde

Author’s Note: Thanks to Gretchen Rubin for inspiring this post.

As you likely have, I hold many expectations pertaining to my career. These expectations can prove invigorating, limiting, or even humiliating — depending on my vantage point. On some days, I hold myself to unachievable standards. On the following day, I may hold a much different view of my career reflection.

I do know this: Kindness matters — as expectations can become a cruel task master.

So a bit of advice:

Know that you likely do the best you possibly can to meet your most valued expectations.

Know that missing the mark isn’t a crime, and not venturing to try is far worse.

Know that falling back on what feels comfortable or fulfilling is never wrong — it just may not always pay the bills or prove practical (in the present).

Know that mixing expectations and comfort, may reveal a recipe that works for you.

Know that expectations should serve as a guide — and not a sentence.

Above all, always strive to acknowledge that difference.

Happy Independence Day!

Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She examines the effect of Core Stability on work & work life life. A charter member of the LinkedIn Influencer Program — her thoughts on work life have appeared in various outlets including Talent Zoo, Forbes, Quartz and The Huffington Post.