A dictionary elucidation of expectation is something
that’s most likely to happen; a belief that may or may not be representative of
reality. Anticipations are unquestionably centered on the future; something
that not even genius can predict. Expectations can have beneficial outcomes:
when they are met there is indeed a sense of triumph but lesser advantageous
results assure frustration. If something good happens (that was not at all
expected) it counts as wonder. Expectations do take up a large proportion
of thought and emotion. Behavior towards people, events and even one’s own self
is significantly set by expectations.
Perceptions influence the sense of gratification
from life. With regard to happiness or unhappiness, Richard Lazarus noted that ‘people
whose objective conditions of life are those of hardship and deprivation often
make a positive assessment of their own well-being,’ while ‘people who are
objectively well off...often make a negative assessment of their own wellness.’
The explanation of the paradox can only be based on expectations. The more you
have, the more you (want to or are tuned to) expect; lesser are the chances of
satisfaction; greater the disappointments. And vice versa for people who have
little and may expect less from the world. Lazarus argued that ‘the most
sensible explanation of this apparent absurdity is that people...develop
favorable or unfavorable expectations that always guide their assessments.
Self-fulfilling prophecy
Reality is seldom what it truly is. It’s habitually
what one chooses to believe. And as probability takes it, the positive feedback
cycle enhances the beliefs. In Thomas Theorem, the expounded idea is such: if
people believe in a reality, it becomes real. In effect, they make it real by
expecting it to occur; and once it occurs, it’s real nonetheless! For instance,
the placebo effect in medication is based on the expectation of the pill to
work; thus in 33% of people we see positive effects instantly even when the
actual medication was not given. The world cannot bank on 33% figures though. When
people convince themselves that a situation really has a certain meaning,
regardless of whether it actually does, they will take very real actions in
consequence. We need to have more realistic numbers to assign actuality in
expectations. Perceptions strongly influence beliefs and these perceptions
ought to be correct. Else false beliefs generate expectations and subsequently severe
letdowns.
Interpersonal expectations
A classical correlation of self-fulfilling
prophecy exists in relationships between people. The perceptions need to be
positive for these to have favorable outcomes. When you believe that your
partner doesn’t care or your child never listens, you behave contrarily with
them. You make them love you less by being upset with them before they even
attempt to dismay you. So also with the self; expecting negative outcomes
assures their occurrence. Phrases like:
- I know you won’t make it on time
- I’m sure you will forget, wait and see
- I know you won’t do well you didn’t study
- I know this won’t work out, I haven’t practiced
Expect well
Wishing well is not synonymous with
expecting the best, but in many ways both are directed towards truly unpredictable
outcomes. An expectation about the behavior or performance of another person,
expressed to that person, can have the nature of a strong request, or an order.
A request is always desirable. Expectations influence perceptions and vice
versa. However perceptions need to be appraised and reappraised before they
become beliefs; that subsequently influence actions. See right, perceive right,
expect right; it will invariably turn out right…
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