If you go into a casino and you’re expecting to hit a jackpot, you’re likely going to be very disappointed. Every time you hit that slot button, pull that reel, or place that bet and the bells don’t start going off, you’re going to be pissed. And rightfully so, but only because you convinced yourself it was a realistic expectation to think the stars would align, exactly how and when you wanted.

That leaves a lot of room for frustration and feeling let down. You become this walking timebomb, waiting for anything to set you off. And overall, it means you’re not able to enjoy any moment in a carefree way. Because expectations are at stake! No time for carefree enjoying of anything that’s not the jackpot!

But it all begins with that expectation. 

If you went into the game with no expectation to hit big, or even to hit at all, you’d probably not even choose to play. Or you might. But each time the 7s didn’t line up on that payline, you wouldn’t be upset by it.

So, where in my life am I expecting a jackpot: setting myself up by creating unrealistic expectations and then being frustrated when reality doesn’t show up for the job?

Because I might not always be able to change the reality, but I can change how I see and respond to it.

And then that trip back from the casino feels so much happier, every time.