When Expectations Don't Match Reality

What happens when your desired outcome falls short of your expectations?

Some time ago, I watched a podcast where the question was asked, "If you're out at work all day and your spouse is home, should you come home to a warm meal?"

I haven't gone back to read the comments, but I think most people would assume the answer should be yes. If they're home, there should at least be something to eat.

But what if there isn't?

Should that become a fight or a conversation?

If they didn't feel like making something, why?

Even if they don't have a reason, there is always a reason.

The goal is to come to an understanding so your needs and expectations are met along with theirs.

Growing up, my mother was a stay-at-home mom, and 99 percent of the time there was always food when my father came home from work.

Her needs were met, and so were his.

There was a mutual understanding of what each of them expected from the other.

I know there are many relationships where, in the beginning, someone comes home to nothing because those expectations haven't been established yet.

Like anything else, it's a learning curve.

It's easy to think your partner should automatically know what you want, but that understanding takes time to build.

Like building an online business, you think the money will be there on day one because you're doing the work.

Maybe it will.

Maybe Your Business Has Expectations of Its Own

Or maybe your business has expectations of its own.

It may need you to change how you work before it gives you the outcome you're looking for.

Like any relationship, it may not always be the best communicator.

It's up to you to keep learning what it needs so the relationship can grow.

The better you understand its expectations, the better chance you have of reaching your own.