When things don't go as per your expectations

What happens when you expect something so much, but it does not happen? This situation can arise in both your personal life and workplace. You might have anticipated positive outcomes from your hard work, driven by optimism, only to be met with disappointment when things turn out disastrously. How do you feel in such moments?Imagine inviting a friend over for dinner. You’ve cooked a special meal, tidied up your home, and are looking forward to an evening of good conversation and laughter. At the last moment, your friend cancels, claiming they are not feeling well. Later, you find out through social media that they were watching a cricket match with other friends. The sting of betrayal can make you feel heartbroken and unappreciated.In another scenario, you invested in a stock, expecting it to rise based on promising company reports. However, to your dismay, the stock plunges, resulting in a significant financial loss. Or perhaps your son was aiming for admission to a top university, but despite his efforts, he ends up in a school that was never on his list of preferences. Your expectation of a promotion might also meet dismay when your boss chooses a mediocre colleague over you, someone who has never performed their duties well.Such events can be emotionally draining. They can shake your confidence and make you question the value of your efforts. However, it’s important to remember that life is full of surprises, and sometimes, those surprises can be pleasant.On the flip side, let’s look at instances where reality exceeds your expectations. Imagine getting an unexpected order for your factory from a new customer, bringing in a significant profit. Your house might sell for much more than you anticipated, providing a financial windfall. Your daughter could receive an acceptance letter from a prestigious fashion design institute, thanks to her artwork shared on Instagram. Perhaps your wife surprises you with a thoughtful gift when you least expect it.These positive surprises elicit joy and gratitude, reminding us that good things can happen unexpectedly. They balance out the disappointments and reinforce the idea that life’s unpredictability can bring about favorable outcomes as well.In all these situations, our reactions are shaped by our expectations. When things go awry, it’s natural to feel a mix of anger, sadness, and frustration. However, it’s crucial to manage these emotions constructively. But there are ways to manage our reactions in such situations. It can be either acceptance of the situation, or changing our perspective towards outcome, or developing a type of resistance. We may also be grateful for the opportunities coming our way without developing remorse for occasions when our expectations are not met.