Most people don’t understand how difficult it is to meet expectations.
Spouses. Partners. Boyfriends. Girlfriends. Colleagues. Clients. Friends. Children. Cats. Work. Life. Internal expectations.
It is tough to be consistent. It is tough to do the right thing when you are constrained for time. It is really tough to deliver a solid quality, product or experience when you’re stretched too thin and struggling for scarce resources.
Which is why I always tell people that you cannot exceed expectations before you meet them. First, try to deliver on what has been promised. Then do it again. Then do it one more time. Then wow me.
This applies to your job where you are paid to do very specific things. Please do those things. Do them well. Be happy when you meet expectations. When you get into the groove and have a consistent track record, build on your success. Go bigger.
When you work with clients, your first job is to define your scope of work. Tighten that up. Be specific. Then be more specific. Bullet points are your friend. Meet those bullet points. Tick them off your list. Then surprise and delight your clients with above-average work. But you can’t jump ahead.
The same is true with your personal life. Flowers. Jewelry. Gifts. They are all wasted until you get the basics right. You should start with a solid foundation. Honor your word. Live up to your commitments. Meet expectations and be a decent human being who doesn’t harm others. Love honestly. Accept love with an open heart. Be truthful. Admit your failures. Then go big.
People say that this isn’t rocket science. I think it is rocket science. There is no hack to exceeding expectations. Do the work. Do what you said you will do. Meet expectations. And when you meet expectations, you will most likely dazzle people.
SEE ALSO: 5 Ways To Do What You Love
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