Expectations

One of my friends was suggesting that life would be simpler if everyone could master the art of having no expectations. Indeed, life can be simpler when everyone accepts whatever that comes along without prejudice and anticipation. Yet, is this desirable?

One may suggest that the notion of desire is already itself a judgment rather than science. Desire is already built on ideals. Before we plummet into another labyrinth of arguments, let us focus on expectation and assume desirability to be a state that is beneficial to the society.

Imagine if we have no expectation of ourselves, of tomorrow, of our current state, of the people around us and of everything else. Imagine that we just coast along from day to day. Yes, life is simpler because there is no conflict from expectation gap and management. There is no demoralization or disappointment associated with any shortfall of reality versus expectation. However, there will also be no improvement as one will not seek to better themselves when there is no benchmark. The society as a whole will stagnate. When there is no disappointment with shortfall in expectation, there will also be no motivation or delight in exceeding expectation. Basically, life becomes bland.

When one has ideal, dream or desire, it is impossible not to have expectation. Life loses meaning when one has no ideal, dream nor desire. Having a life does not equate living. Living brings out the meaning of life.

I am supportive of the idea of simplifying issues and even a simple life. Why complicate things unnecessarily? However, this definitely does not mean oversimplifying things. To me, having no expectation may be an example of simplifying things, perhaps it is even an escape from life.

Be brave. Dare to dream and build your expectations. Motivate yourself to meet or even exceed your expectations. If all things fail, at least you have made a chivalrous attempt and you may gain more from the process.