How to Develop Realistic Expectations
Do you want to keep your stress level down at work and get more done? A good start is to develop some expectations that are both realistic and attainable in the near future. If you don't learn how to develop expectations that are reasonable, you are never going to be able to get that career success that you want. Developing expectations that are reasonable will have several positive effects on your career.
A good reason why you want to develop those reasonable expectations is because you don't want to overwhelm yourself. A good example of a good expectation is that you get a raise in your first six months on the job. A bad expectation is to be promoted to office manager in six months. Unless you have been told that it is in the cards, or that it is feasible to do so, you should start small.
How do you develop those great expectations for yourself? The best thing to do is to research the industry that you are in and then the company you work for. What have you seen other people do in terms of raises and advancement? How long does it take to get promoted and what do you have to do to get there? Come to work with a realistic mindset about what you can do to advance so you don't set yourself up for failure.
When you go to work for the first day, or when you come in on Monday with your new plan, it should reflect the realities of the workplace. Sometimes the best ways to set expectations is to not set expectations. Focus on gaining experience no matter where it may be so that you can broaden your skills and enhance your resume. This will make it easier for you to demand the salary increase or the promotion you want whether it be at your current company or at another employer.
Always be realistic about your expectations when you are at work. Talk to your boss or co-workers to determine what would be a good plan of action for you. Be clear about your job skills and what you have to do before you start making demands. There may be people who have seniority or who have the skills you have yet to learn. These could be hurdles to your plan of being the next overnight superstar at work.
Setting expectations is all about knowing yourself and the job that you do. Learn the culture of the company, and learn how people operate and what skills you need to move up. When you do that, you will know what is possible and set up realistic expectations.
