My friend, Andy, once said to me:

He communicated the Expectations vs Reality idea with two simple words: “Abundance” vs “Lack.” To live in Abundance is to live in a world where Reality > Expectations. Lack is the alternative. The Abundance or the Lack is the difference between the Reality - Expectations equation.

Lowering expectations is a tactic

Creating the space for Reality to exceed those Expectations

Creating the space for happiness

Setting high Expectations is exposing myself to disappointment

Preparing to misbalance my happiness equation

Preparing for a “let down” in my own life

Might the proactive approach be to “let down” my Expectations from the beginning?

Gratitude

So, how do I do that? What’s a tactical way that I can lower my expectations?

A gratitude practice

When I'm grateful for something, it’s a signal to myself that I don’t “expect” this thing

Gratitude pushes down my “Expectations Bar,” creating the space for Abundance

“I am grateful for this food”

“I am grateful for this day”

“I am grateful for this evening with you”

A reminder that none of this is guaranteed

A buffer against any “Expectation Creep”

The phenomenon that happens when the Expectations Bar unconsciously rises whenever proper attention isn't given

Gratitude makes me aware of what I have

It’s a reminder that what I have is already enough

A reminder that I’m always living in a state of Abundance