Keep Kind Intentions

If you have lost anything, have no regrets. Be glad and begin again. Be glad that you can begin again. Be glad to know that the future is always richer and better than the past if we only try to make it so. Then forget the loss, and rejoice in the fact that you have the power to secure something far better in return.
- Christian Larson


One of the kindest things you can do for yourself and others is to dramatically raise the bar of expectations and create a space for them to begin again.

It is easy to lock ourselves - and those around us - into the paradigm of their prior performance - when in reality, there is always the chance to begin again.

This type of future facing kindness begins with a change in expectations. If we expect the same old same old, that’s exactly what we’ll get! You don’t need to study neuroscience to understand the dampening power of low expectations. Holding someone (or yourself) to low expectations is unkind and even cruel. It can be incredibly exhausting and depressing to try and operate under a cloud of low expectations - easily becoming a pattern of self-fulfilling prophecy.

So how to raise expectations? In life and in literature, there are countless plots where the wise coach, or wizard, or fairy godmother helps unlock the potential in someone by seeing their potential and dramatically raising the bar of expectations. They wave their magic wand, or perform some incantation, or initiate a special training (wax on, wax off) - and their struggling students blossom into superstars.

In the audience, we intuitively understand that the “magic” actually happened inside the student’s own mind. In other words - the potential for higher performance was always there - it just took some outside inspiration to help them get there.

So how to use the power of kind expectations to help unlock change and begin again? Here are five simple steps you can use today to raise the bar of expectations and share the kindness of new beginnings to yourself and those around you:

1. Dream Bigger, Together! 🎯🚀
Expectations skyrocket when you dream big with clear, shared goals. Whether for yourself or others, aim high and push the boundaries of what's possible. Instead of settling for small gains, chase after extraordinary growth—and do it together!

Action: Pick one bold goal that excites you (or your team) and commit to it today. Let it be ambitious enough to inspire action and ignite passion. 💡 Share the dream and let others rise with you! 🌟

2. Flip the Script: See Obstacles as Opportunities 💡🔥
When life throws challenges your way, don’t lower your expectations—flip the script! Every setback is a chance to grow stronger and smarter. Elevate your thinking by seeing problems as powerful launchpads for growth. 💥

Action: The next time you face a challenge, pause and reframe it as a growth opportunity. Encourage others by being the one who says, “This is where you level up!” 💪 Remind yourself and those around you that adversity creates champions! 🏆

3. Celebrate the Hustle, Not Just the Wins 🎉💪
Inspired by David Goggins’ relentless approach, raising expectations starts with honoring effort. Don’t just celebrate the destination—cheer for the grind that gets you there. The real magic is in the exponential effort you put in, especially when it's tough.

Action: Make a habit of reflecting daily on the effort you (or your team) put in. 🎯 Recognize even the smallest progress and shout it out loud! 🗣️ For others, be the one who amplifies their hustle, showing that effort is the ultimate win. 🏅

4. Turn Feedback into Fuel 🔥🔄
Expectations grow when we’re given the right feedback to fuel our fire. 🎇 Honest, constructive feedback helps you fine-tune your goals and crush them! 💥 For others, feedback shows belief in their potential and gives them the tools to soar higher.

Action: Ask for regular feedback, and give it generously. ✉️ Use it as a rocket booster to improve and level up. 🚀 For others, make your feedback encouraging but specific, so they can clearly see the steps to success! 🌱

 5. Fresh Starts, Every Day! 🌄✨
One of the kindest things you can do is to give yourself and others the gift of new beginnings. 🌱 Every day, every moment is a chance to begin again. Set expectations that leave room for growth and grace, knowing that past mistakes don’t define future wins.

Action: Adopt a mantra like “Today is Day One!” to remind yourself that you’re always evolving. 🌟 For others, create space for them to start fresh and raise the bar without fear of judgment. Encourage them to rise from setbacks with unshakable belief in what’s ahead! 💫

Final Thoughts:
Raising expectations is a journey of bold dreams, relentless effort, and kindness in action. When you set exciting goals, embrace challenges as opportunities, celebrate the hustle, fuel progress with feedback, and offer fresh starts—you unleash the full potential in yourself and those around you! 🌟💥

Let’s raise the bar and make every day a rocket-fueled adventure towards greatness! 🚀🎯 #LevelUp #BeginAgain #ExponentialEffort #Kindness