Expectations Shape Experiences

One of the strangest things I have learnt revolves around our experience. Indulge me for a minute.

Each millisecond, we experience life. Our experiences are shaped by circumstances and beliefs.

But experience is shaped most by expectation.

What do you expect to experience? How much does that shape what you experience?

Here is the funny thing. You can curate your expectation. It is a choice you are making.

So imagine you went on a hike, expecting to have a lot of fun. It is more likely that you will enjoy the experience.

Imagine you went under duress. Chances are you will find the experience disappointing or worse.

So why are your expectations setting up your experience?

Think of it as a signal to your brain of what is about to occur. The brain then prepares itself to experience what you suggested.

Naturally, it will look for all the signals that validate what it was looking for.

Let me give you an example. Many years ago, we went on a brief holiday. It rained incessantly. But we had gone with the expectation of having fun.

The rain just brought more fun. We got soaked repeatedly. Before lunch, post lunch, and everything in between. But we just laughed and enjoyed the rain.

We could have sat indoors, cursing our luck.

But our experience was not unique. The same thing plays out every day. You push yourself to go for a walk. Or you wake up looking forward to your walk.

You force yourself to have a “diet meal.” Or you sit down to enjoy a delicious meal made specially for you.

Its a choice you are making.

Your expectations of what you are about to experience is making that choice for you. So think about what you want to experience. Every moment of your life. Then make it happen. Life is not easy. But we have it in our hand to make it a little bit easier.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain