Do you have expectations from what life is supposed to be, post-career? I remember asking a client, many years ago, about his expectations for life after he sold his business. With a straight face, he replied, “I want to play golf!”
His expectation must have included consistently blue skies, moderate temperatures, physical ability and financial well-being. The sheer lunacy of all these factors being present in a straight-line until the moment of death is astounding. But clearly, he hadn’t thought it through to that extent.
Is it a lack of imagination, or a lack of willingness and focus, to think these things through thoroughly?
Reasonable expectations must include a wide range of questioning and reflection. Ask yourself questions like, “Is this true?” or, “What if X happens?” The results of not indulging in deep consideration of your expectations might lead to consequences that are painful.
Spread your questioning net wide and far. Consider all the “what if’s,” look for the fly in the proverbial ointment (such a weird saying), examine your thinking, ask trusted friends for their comments and observations (not judgments).
As I stumble into my life, I battle the expectation question too.
