Managing Expectations

I'm a pretty linear person. That may be an understatement. I prefer to be planful and intentional, efficient and effective, goal oriented, etc. Turns out the world doesn't cater to my default. Change is constant. I used to get pretty bent out of shape about things being out of order, or not going as planned. Then I realized I was spending way too much time being frustrated about things out of my control.

Practice makes perfect. Turns out in the six years I was actively involved with STLF, I got lots of practice improvising, troubleshooting, and accommodating during uncertain times or changing plans. Many a bus breakdown, cancelled service projects, and medical mishaps later... I learned to roll with the punches. I still get frustrated at times when things unexpectedly change, but today I was talking to a coworker and said, "No worries, I will plan for unpredictable." She laughed, and I realized my "coping mechanism" is attempting to manage expectations. 

I've accepted that I'll always be in situations that challenge my desire to execute a perfect plan. To be honest, if it ever did happen, I'd look for a bigger challenge immediately. I do try to understand ahead of time how flexible I'll need to be - and it generally leads to a much more forgiving and less stressed state of mind when things/situations are not ideal. You learn to accommodate.

• Hiring targets will forever be changing, more roles to fill = job security.
• Airlines are often delayed (for many legitimate and sometimes illegitimate reasons) I always have a book with me.  
• Single pane glass does not insulate during Minnesota winters, I keep gloves and slippers at my desk.

One of my favorite things about Minnesota is when people wear shorts when it's 45 degrees in the spring, but pull out their winter coats when it gets to 40 degrees in the fall. Expectations is everything. As I've started working with people based in other parts of the country, I realize just how odd Minnesota winter seems to those that don't work here. These pictures capture it well...the camaraderie and creativity makes me happy. 

The fact is, there are some things we just can't change - my linear thought patterns, Minnesota winters, our past, things that happen to us, but we can choose how we perceive or react to those things. Ben Franklin said: 

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

So when I get frustrated with things not going according to my plan, I say a quick Serenity Prayer, assume positive intent by others involved, and manage expectations for the future.

This concept in action: Waking up this morning and seeing "Real Feel: -35" on my phone and thinking, "it was 20 degrees colder two weeks ago, three layers of pants and two wool scarves should keep me warm on my walk to the bus." 

It did. 

I will always be a linear person, but assuming things will change and keeping an open mind to new solutions is much less frustrating than insanity.