Expectation Dominates Motivation
I remember the first time I attempted what many would consider being an “extreme” sport. As a kid, I thrived on experiences such as snow skiing, water skiing, white water rafting, etc. Growing up in the Boy Scouts, I had the opportunity to do some pretty cool things. During my sophomore year in high school I had the opportunity to repel for the first time.
I remember standing at the edge of a 60 foot cliff with a rope tied to my belt and wondering just how stupid I was going to have to be to let go and jump. I was petrified of heights and had been all of my life. I tried just walking away, but my dad wouldn’t let me. He was going to make sure I followed through. But I wasn’t really expecting to survive the ordeal. Walking off of a 60 foot drop wasn’t my idea of fun!
Isn’t that how we approach life sometimes? The expectation…the anticipation of it all causing us to form opinions before experiences even occur. The truth is that expectations affect HOW and WHAT we see in our lives. And those experiences create unique emotional “fingerprints” on our lives.
When it comes to communicating with others, we have to keep in mind that we all have emotional “filters” created by our experiences. As I communicate with you even today, my experiences form the words contained on this page. And while you can’t change another person’s “filters”, you can have an effect on the experiences that create them. How? By recognizing the ability and responsibility we have to create positive experiences for those we have the privilege of leading and influencing.
In repelling, you have to have a “spotter”.
A spotter is responsible for guiding the climber down from the bottom of the cliff. They hold the safety rope that is around your waist. They give verbal directions and encouragement that help the climber proceed down the rock.
Do you recognize the role you have in providing positive direction and encouragement to the people around you on a daily basis? As leaders, we have a responsibility to do something with our circle of influence every day. We are on this earth both to spot AND be spotted!
Our experiences color our expectations of future events. Expectations are determined by our attitudes. Therefore, we have the ability to choose our own expectations. That is empowering!!! My expectation of death standing at the top of the cliff colored my perception of the experience…and it was the color of FEAR.
Don’t allow FEAR to ever keep you from doing…or choosing the right thing! Choose the best, expect the best, be the best! It is all up to only one person…YOU! I sure am glad my dad made me follow through with that repelling experience. I am who I am today because I didn’t let my FEAR get in the way. I needed to be spotted and he provided encouragement. Thanks dad!
Have a great week!