We constantly face insecurity and anxiety, and our collective mental he alth suffers as a result. However, difficult events that trigger stress and fear can be a signal to rethink how we think and live.
Understanding how thoughts can affect how you feel can help you move from unhe althy, negative emotions to a more flexible way of thinking. Why is it worth it? Whether it's concerns about a pandemic, war, problems at home or at work, coping skills will help you get through difficult times.
Insisting that something has to happen or that someone has to behave in a certain way can cause feelings of anxiety, hurt, and rage - unhe althy negative emotions that can lead to self-destructive behavior. In short - expectations and this way of thinking are the opposite of being flexible.
Knowing that life doesn't always deliver what you expect or that people don't always behave the way you want will help you deal with negative emotions such as disappointment, worry, and anger.
Instead of thinking that something should happen, try to think, "It would be great if my presentation at work went well … but it wouldn't be the end of the world if it failed." This allows you to get to the place of acceptance.
Giving up expectations can help you become goal-oriented and support you in achieving them. It leads to self-testing, to questioning negative thoughts, and to considering other ways of perceiving the situation. It's not about what happened, but how you perceive it.
Life is full of uncertainty and difficult events present a special challenge. Managing expectations and changing perspective can help navigate uncertainty. It's also learning to be flexible and resilient.