What Do You Expect?

A lot has been written recently about happiness and optimism. As an optimist, I find this interesting. Having just finished Shawn Achor's book, "The Happiness Advantage," I was happy (no pun intended) to see all the scientific evidence supporting the belief that having a positive outlook on life actually impacts overall success.

Merriam-Webster defines optimism this way:

op·ti·mism noun \ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm\ - an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome

On a webinar last week with Shawn Achor, I heard him define optimism this way: The belief that your behavior matters. 

Whether you are naturally optimistic or not, one area of your life you can control and change immediately, is your attitude of expectation. One of my core beliefs that I have experienced and observed in life is this:

Your level of success in anything you do will rise to the level of your expectation 

Because of this, I have to ask, "What do you expect?" When going on that interview, what do you expect? Applying for that mortgage, what do you expect? Being considered for that promotion, what do you expect? Walking into that college exam, what do you expect?

As you analyze and evaluate your "self-talk" during times of an uncertain outcome, see what words you're using and what your expectation is. As you consciously choose to believe for positive outcomes based upon your attitude of expectation, your life will immediately begin to change.

I first heard the term "inverse paranoid" when listening to an old Earl Nightingale personal development recording. I came across it again when reading Jack Canfield's "The Success Principles" (Become an Inverse Paranoid is Success Principle #6). The definition of an inverse paranoid is, "Today the world is plotting to do me good. I can’t wait to see what’s next!” By adopting an attitude of expectation like that, good things will begin to happen.

My expectation level dramatically increased once I learned just how interested God was in my success. I used to think you only went to Him when you were in trouble or needed something that looked impossible. Once I got a revelation that His Grace is Unmerited Favor and that His plans for me are good, I began to expect good things all the time. This expectation allows me to see good things even in bad or difficult times. Just as John C. Maxwell's new book suggests, "Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn."

Go out to today with a heightened expectation level in everything you do. Become an Inverse Paranoid expecting everything to be working for your good. And, finally, know that God's plans for you are good and look for the positive, the lessons, and the upside in every situation you face.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11