How High Expectations Are Killing Your Productivity

Have you already thought about the fact that high expectations are killing your productivity? Find out how to break free from it today.

You probably know where I’m going to this week.

Let’s first refresh our memory about the previous topics of our challenge.

Two weeks ago, I shared some ideas with you on how you can delegate.

By sharing some of your responsibilities you can achieve more.

Wanting to do everything on your own, on the other hand, creates a lot of stress and beats anyone up.

Sharing is caring, including when it comes to caring about your efficiency.

Last week, though, we discussed the damage of asking too much of others. 

We saw how it can hurt your (and their) productivity.

Things like useless meeting and endless messages might seem “normal” at first.

Let’s face it: most people do it!

Yet, without realizing it, you’re wasting other people’s time and energy.

It isn’t good neither for them or for YOU.

This week, we’ll focus on expectations.

The problem about expectations

There’s no need in denying it: we all have expectations.

We have our own agenda and we hope people will compensate for our weaknesses and supply our needs.

It can be something as small as wishing your colleague offers to bring you coffee the next time they go to the machine.

It’d save you so much time, wouldn’t it?

However, there’s another level of expectation. A dangerous one.

One example is expecting that someone knows EXACTLY what you need or have been thinking.

The truth is: unless your employee or partner has a (working) crystal ball, you have to tell them what they need to know.

How high expectations are killing your efficiency. #coaching #MindfulPlanning Click To Tweet

Elementary, my dear Watson!

I personally dislike when people say: “But it’s logical!”

The only options that are logical to me in this case are:

1. It might seem logical to them, but not to us.
2. It’s now logical to them because someone explained it to them before.
3. They themselves have NO CLUE of what they’re saying. They try to make us feel bad for asking just to escape the answer.

At least in my experience, the third option is the one closest to the truth most of the times.

Because let’s be sincere: If it’s so “logical” why don’t they explain it to us in a way we can understand?!?

*rolls eyes*

We know the answer, don’t we?

But the problem here, and the reason why high expectations are killing your productivity is that it’s all a MAJOR waste of time.

Whether you’re the one with high expectations, or the person being asked above your abilities, you feel:

• frustrated
• discouraged
• angry
• stressed
• confused

And it’s all for nothing.

You won’t get better results just because of your assumptions.

Neither will you do any better just because someone else’s assumes you can.

Dealing with how high expectations are killing your productivity

It’s not always easy to admit that our expectations are too high.

Sometimes, it’s an honest misunderstanding from our side.

To make sure you’re not pushing someone too far, observe how you:

• answer to certain inquiries.
• feel when asked particular questions.
• react to other’s inability to perform “accordingly”.

Maybe in your home environment, people will express their dissatisfaction faster. It’s only a matter of you giving it in.

When it comes to working place, however, the subject may be a little more sensitive.

Yet, all parties shouldn’t run away from a conversation about it.

First of all, don’t assume your manager should know it.

Talk to them, or to your HR manager if you consider it necessary.

There’s no need to assume a defensive position.

Start by expressing your own expectations.

Be open and look for a reasonable approach for both parties going forward.

A lot of times, it’s all a matter of perception you can solve without further implications.

The sooner you clear things up, both at home and at work, the faster you’ll be able to put yourself on the right track again.

Focus on productivity

Once you solve all differences, it’s time to get back on track.

Don’t let old grudges get in the way.

Neither should you feel offended or guilty for (leaving the impression of) having high expectations or should you feel bad about yourself for bringing up the subject.

Move on and, going forward, focus on these 3 ways to manage expectations:

• Stop idealizing people (nobody is perfect, remember? Not even you!).
• Remember you can’t control everything (either anyone).
• Stop hoping people will change just to please you.

If you need support and accountability to work on not-so-obvious productivity killers like expectations, join our challenge today.

52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You

I’m hosting a 52-week productivity challenge on my closed Facebook Group.

You can read everything about the challenge here.

How the 52-week productivity challenge works

First of all, grab a copy of the list [ninja-popup ID=11356]52 Things That Are Killing Your Productivity[/ninja-popup].

After signing up, you’ll be invited to join my closed Facebook group.

On the group, I’ll share daily prompts during the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You.

I’ll guide you through a brand-new topic each week. 

From Monday through Friday, you’ll learn how you can use Mindful Planning™ to:

• Become more efficient
• Save time
• Manage stress
• Achieve your goals

You can start the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You at any moment of the year.

And you choose whether to follow every single week or to focus on your personal pain points.

If you miss anything, you can always refer to older posts for catch-up or review.

All that FOR FREE!

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See you at the challenge

The method I apply to the challenge is exactly the same one I use with my clients: Mindful Planning™.

It’s a 5-step method you can use to all aspects of your life become more productive one day at a time without added stress.

Come and join the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You today.

I’m looking forward guiding you towards a successful year and beyond!