Expectancy is an interesting thing. If you are expecting a negative outcome, you may get what you expect if your viewpoint is narrowed and you are relying on historical experience, early messages or set beliefs.
When you begin to notice what you expect, you will also understand how your mind and body will follow suit. Worry and concern may occupy your thoughts and that feels draining on your body.
Think about when you are going into a meeting or a situation that has personal importance for you. Do you enter with curiosity and excitement or are you feeling anticipation, concern, worry or dread? These negative feelings come from a low level of energy and a lack of inner trust. Even though this is a low level of energy, such feelings are quite powerful and will impact you because they keep you in a defended, conflict stance. That is, as long as you give them power.
On the other hand, if you expect a positive outcome, you shift the source of your energy and come from a more constructive and motivating level of power.
Try expecting with a mindset of curiosity. This increases the ability to hear or see new possibilities from colleagues, employees or for yourself. Be open to exploring what is being said in discussions. If you are the speaker, expect to be well received by the participants. Why not? Of course, not everyone will always agree with what you say, do or propose, but I firmly believe it is much better to be willing to step out of the fear and show up with courage and make a contribution.
Your thinking will direct your experience. You will show up with an openness that allows creativity and possibility to flow through you, and your experience will be more pleasant and powerful.
Recognize any nagging voices in your head that want to hold you back or keep you safe – they are just that – nagging voices. Even if things don’t turn out like you want them to, commit to not hold back by squelching what you could offer to a situation. Don’t let the negative voices run your show.
You have the power to choose your response. So the next time, you feel anxiety and low-level energy, pause, be clear and choose your approach – from a positive stance. Expect the best and see what happens.
