October’s Theme - Expectations
expectation, whether self imposed or otherwise, is a recurring theme in both my personal and professional thoughts.
As it rears it's head now and then, This month’s post is a deeper look at the intensity these feelings Can have and their impacts on the running of a floral business.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve developed a few self inflicted pressures, they can vary quite drastically and are typically affected by other happenings around me. A key one being to document Bryonia’s growth, development or creations on an almost daily basis. Having time away in New Zealand has eased that urge immensely, as I took a step back and things were much slower paced there.
Now that I’m back operating at full speed again, I want to ensure that Bryonia doesn’t get swept up in the glorification of being busy and ‘hustle culture’ that surrounds us, so I’m considering how best to continue Bryonia’s flowering journey without creating unnecessary demands, and by pursuing whichever elements I enjoy the most.
Expectation vs. reality is usually where I trip up.
I set myself an enormous mountain to climb, hoping to achieve great things, only to stumble and feel disappointment when I don't quite reach the summit. It's a familiar pattern, one that often leaves me feeling deflated and questioning my abilities. But over time, I've learned to navigate this terrain by adopting a more balanced approach.
Instead of fixating solely on the goals, I now strive to be realistic in terms of what's achievable. I remind myself that progress is a journey, and it's important to celebrate the small victories along the way. By shifting my focus to the positives of what I have done rather than dwelling on what I haven't, I'm able to find some kindness and satisfaction in each step forward.
Managing expectations can be a delicate balancing act. It requires a kind and compassionate perspective towards ourselves. I have come to realize that being too hard on myself only leads to unnecessary stress and self-doubt. So I allow for kindness, acknowledging that I am only human and that missteps are a natural part of the process. I have learned to embrace a looser vision of what success looks like. Instead of rigidly clinging to a predetermined outcome, I remain open to various possibilities and embrace the unexpected. This flexibility allows for personal growth and the chance to explore new avenues that may have otherwise been overlooked.
Gratitude has also become an essential tool in managing my expectations. Instead of fixating on what could have been, I focus on what I have achieved. I express gratitude for the lessons learned, the skills acquired, and the opportunities that have come my way. This shift in perspective cultivates a sense of fulfillment and reminds me of the progress I have made, even if it's not exactly as I initially envisioned.
In conclusion, managing expectations is a delicate balance between pushing ourselves to reach new heights and embracing the inevitable realities of life. By adopting a realistic mindset, focusing on the positives, allowing for kindness, having a looser vision of success, and expressing gratitude, I've found a softer and more fulfilling way to navigate the expectations I set for myself.
Some things I find helpful to stay on top of managing my personal and professional expectations include:
Keeping myself organised, which may look different for everyone. For me, knowing exactly what I need to do helps me to stay calm, collected, and get through periods of intense workload or a busy calendar. I've found that scheduling only a certain number of tasks per day eases the pressure on myself and allows me to achieve better end results as I don't rush through them.
Scheduling time for myself to step away from my to-do list. Whether it's enjoying a slow morning, having dinner with friends, or spending quality time with family, these moments of decompression are crucial. I have noticed that when I take breaks and distance myself from my responsibilities, I come back with a calmer approach and renewed energy on the following day.
Discovered the importance of communicating with others about what feels overwhelming at a particular moment and how I'm doing overall. It doesn't necessarily have to be with people from the same industry as me. Sometimes, it can be refreshing to let go of some tension and hear completely new perspectives from others. Opening up about my challenges and seeking support has proven to be a valuable resource in managing my expectations effectively.
Anticipating a set outcome with no flexibility is a surefire way to feel disappointed. Therefore, I try not to be rigid in my goals and expectations. Instead, I embrace the idea of being open to new possibilities and adapt my expectations accordingly. This flexibility allows me to embrace unexpected opportunities and make the most out of any situation.
Overall, by keeping myself organised, taking breaks, seeking support, and remaining flexible in my goals and expectations, I have found effective ways to manage both my personal and professional expectations. These strategies have helped me navigate intense workloads, maintain a sense of balance, and foster a more positive mindset.
If you sign up to our monthly Bryonia HQ updates, you’re set to receive next month’s focus first.
Hope to see you there,
Jenna x
